Children can have a lot of fun playing computer games. There are many great games that both entertain and aid learning. Give your children the best games, facilitate positive and sociable games experiences – and dare to define boundaries!

Show interest
Maybe play the games with the kids, and speak together about what they are experiencing through playing. Help them keep a realistic view on what they see and hear. Let them feel your interest in what they’re interested in.

Play and learn
Remember that children and young people can learn a lot of useful things through game playing, and that games can stimulate the wish to learn. What children learn from games depends on what games we as parents give them. Learning about the games media from and with the kids is a good idea.

Take responsibility
Spend some time getting to know the popular games in the market. Take initiative to buy the games you prefer, don’t let the children decide what they play. Be aware that games can also be downloaded from the Internet, and be copied from CD’s. Copying games is illegal.

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Pay attention to age and content marking
Not all games are directed at or suitable for children. Keep to the age limit the game is marked with, and make decisions about what types of games you think your child should play. Think through what you think about games with violent or scary content etc. Strong content is marked with PEGI symbols at the back of the cover. Read more about the marking at www.pegi.info.

Limit the time/ make agreements
Make agreements with your children about when and where they can play, taking into consideration their age and how much time they need for homework and other activities. Dare to be clear. For online games where children play with several others through the net you can agree with other parents on mutual rules for when it’s okay to play and for how long. Remember the interest for playing games may go up and down, don’t panic if your child wants to play a lot for shorter periods of time.

Play in common areas
By making games consoles, TVs and computers clearly visible in the home it’s easier to take part in your children’s experiences and to be an active guide for them. By placing the machines in common areas it’s easier to keep an eye on what, how much and when they play.

Watch the sitting position
Facilitate good sitting positions and good posture when the kids are playing.

Talk with other parents
It’s not always true that “everyone else is allowed to…” or that “everyone else has…” Share experiences, advice and thoughts with other parents. It’s a good idea to work out mutual boundaries with regards to time spent and game contents, and agree to follow the age limits.

Create alternatives
Don’t let TV and computer games become the most important hobby for your children. Physical activities and time with friends is important for children’s and young people’s development. There are also a lot of games that get you moving, for example dance mats and a number of games for Nintendo Wii. Facilitate for a positive lifestyle for your child.