Sunday, November 29, 2009

Stop Feeling Guilty, Parents: Video Games Have Benefits

By Daniel Sose

Yes it's true. Video games can be beneficial for kids. A study from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, researchers discovered that playing active video games is same as you are doing moderate exercises.

Parents may not have control over applying good learning and design principles into games. But instead, they can follow these six helpful tips in finding video games that benefit kids.

First is to go for "E" rated games: Pick games that the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates as E for everyone or EC for early childhood.

Next is to get physical: There are games keep coming out that require players to move around to interact with the game.

Why not ask teachers and other parents for some recommendation: Sometimes schools have games that are made available for kids to play during free time or recess. Some parents may have already checked the games you have not, so you can get their insight before spending big bucks on a game.

It is best to try before you buy: There are numerous web sites that offer free downloads of games that you can play for 30 to 60 minutes before the trial runs out. This greatly provides parents a chance to assess the game before buying.

It would be a good idea to go with known brands: Educational software publishers tend to put out reliable games that teaches children. These may include companies like Broderbund (The Learning Company), Riverdeep Interactive Learning Limited, Scholastic and Vivendi Universal Games' Knowledge Adventures.

Read reviews: Visit Amazon, game and parenting web sites to read game reviews. Rely on more than one source and plenty of reviews.

Of course, books and classroom learning still remain vital. However, video games can challenge the brain because kids have to figure out the rules of a game and navigate around the virtual world.

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