I mean, in many areas, I’m probably more strict than the average parent. I believe there is a definite line of discipline that should not be crossed…there’s a time to parent and a time to be buddies. But, due to my own rather dysfunctional upbringing, I have really tried to step back and say, “Okay, is this thing really worth getting mad about, is it worth alienating my kids over?” And I usually get over it and enjoy playing with them. Because, let’s face it, they won’t be kids much longer.

Or to my basketball-playing, track-running, honor-roll-making daughter. Almost all A’s on her last report card. Oh yeah, her body and brain are just turning to mush, blame the evil devil of video games!

Truth is, if parents would not use this stuff as a babysitter and actually be involved in their kids’ lives, there wouldn’t be a need to worry about kids turning to mashed potatoes. Too many parents are too willing to blame their children’s problems, be they physical or mental or emotional, on video games. They can be a symptom of the disease, but rarely the cause of the disease.

I agree, video games are good because if the kid wants to stay home or invite friends over to play, great, you know where the kids are. Sounds like your a cool mom, K

I asked my daughter if she thought the ads by Obama were a good idea. She shot me a withering look and said, “Nobody pays attention to those stupid things. They just take up space.”

My son (teh more avid gamer) laughed. When I asked if he paid attention, he said, “Meh. Sometimes.” When I asked if he cared, he said, “No.”

Yeah, gamers want political ads in their video games like they want PSA announcements about the germ-killing action of washing their hands after they use the toilet in their video games. Looks like this could be epic fail.

I may not be able to kill a Heartless or get bonus points for my boarding skillz, but boy can I whup them in Jeopardy!

I don’t mind if my kids play video games…I told them as long as their homework is done and any chores I have for them to do are finished and they pick up a book once in a while, I don’t care if they play all day. I know what kind of games they have and they don’t have ultra-violent stuff, so I’m good with it. My son is always calling me to come watch this new kewl thing he can do.

Besides, if they’re playing games, I know where they are. I think sometimes games get a bad rap…sometimes, it’s the parents who should be monitored, not the games. I don’t care if my son spends his afternoon playing the new Star Wars game because I know we have a good relationship.

He should encourage parents to try to get involved with their kids video game interests. That would be win-win, because either the kids and parents would have family time OR the kids would give up video gaming because their parents liked it.

I do NOT understand the fascination with these devices and think the whole gaming industry is disgusting.