Parents’ Guide To Good-For-You Gaming (NAPSA)—Kids are playing video games at younger ages than ever and parents want to foster healthy gaming habits. A few sim- ple guidelines can help parents ensure that their kids are making the most of gameplay time. Keep on top of trends. Since most parents use MP3 players and PDAs, keeping up on the latest in video games can be a short leap. Online resources can tell parents what’s in the games their children want and what systemsoffer the best value. Staying ahead of the curve also offers parents a chance to flex their own gaming skills, taking new games for a test-drivefirst. Offer game time as a motivator. Sometimes, parents find incentives a good way to keep their children focused on getting important chores done. During the school year, video game time can be allocated based on completion of homeworkor household duties. * Get smart with family game night. There may be no better way for parents to feel comfortable with their children’s video games than to play alongside them. By designating one night a week “game night,” parents can bring the whole family together in one room with favorite games. Parents who play with their own PC or handheld games may just discover a new pastime. And multiplayer games, whether a console system or old-fashioned board game, let everyone enjoy the time together. Set parameters. Parents should make sure they purchase Some video games can actually help kids learn school skills and others can provide opportunities for the whole family to play together. software titles that are appropriate for their children’s age level. Additionally, it’s a good idea to “power off” at a set time every day—parents, too—and enjoy other activities, such as walking outside, reading, or listening to music. Make learning fun. Many video games are all about boosting kids’ brainpower. Parents can find systems that combine the actionpacked gaming that kids love with educational content that parents want. For example, LeapFrog’s Leapster2 offers kids ages 4 to 8 math and language arts practice through “Star Wars,” “WALL-E” and “Dora”titles. LeapFrog’s Didj, for 6- to 10-year-olds, lets children and parents customize the educational content, incorporating a kid’s own homework into games such as “Nicktoons,” “Indiana Jones” and “Nancy Drew.” For more information on smart gaming solutions, visit www.leap frog.com/gaming.
