PARENTING
How to Connect with Your Kids Through Video Games
NewsUSA
(NU) - Video games are the rage with kids these days. And while parents are usually educating kids about life, when it comes to video games, the roles are often reversed — kids are the teachers. Playing video games is just one more way parents and children can spend time together. By doing so, parents also can see what games their children are playing and help ensure that they are age-appropriate. Fortunately for parents, video games (like movies) are subject to an independent ratings system. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board rates games with an “E” for everyone, “T” for teen (contains some material that is not suitable for children under 13) and “M” for mature (for ages 17 and up). Knowing what’s hot in video games also will help you connect with your kids. Here is some other information parents should know: • Games today are geared toward virtually every audience and interest. And, as the video game industry eclipses box office movie sales, you’ll find games that mirror the hottest movies playing in theaters — such as “Stuart Little 2” (for the PS one and PlayStation consoles) and Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch”
(for the PS one, PlayStation and PlayStation 2). After enjoying these films in the theater, children will love to play as their favorite characters, using their imaginations to become immersed in a world much like the movie. • Speaking of movies, two of the video game industry’s most popular gaming consoles also play digital video disks. As consoles become even more sophisticated, they will eventually be able to download music from the Internet and have Web browsing capabilities. • You may already be familiar with hand-held gaming devices. Now kids can “plug in and power up” in the car using the PS one and LCD Screen Combo, along with the PS one car adapter — sure to keep everyone occupied on road trips.