Choosing Age-Appropriate Games For Kids By Tiffany Provost At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Selecting the best games for your kids is just as important as choosing the right books, TV shows or movies. Many argue that games provide a huge benefit to your child and can even help in their development. Think about what your kids can play by using these tips as a guide.

1. Learn about the rating system. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board is sometimes referred to as ESRB. The ESRB puts out seven different ratings to games.
Each rating is listed on their website, but here is a brief summary.

- Early Childhood (EC) - these games are ok for children aged 3 and older. Fully age- appropriate.

- Games rated with an "E" (stands for Everyone) indicate that they are safe for children that are above the age of six. There is very minimal use of violence and mild language.

- Rating of Everyone 10+ (E 10+): These video games are suitable for ages 10 and up. There will be some mild violence, mild language and slightly suggestive concepts.

- Rating of T (Teen): These games are suitable for teens aged 13 and older. They may contain crude humor, violence, suggestive concepts, and gory images. These might also have strong language.

- Video games that are rated ‘M' (for Mature) are only appropriate for kids aged 17 and older. They may contain gory images, some sexual content and strong language.

- Games that are only suitable for those who are 18 or older are rated AO, or Adults Only. These games may contain nudity, violence and/or sexual content.

‘RP' means the game has not yet been rated by the ESRB. This will only be used in advertising until the game has been released to the public.

2. Check the description. After looking at the ESRB rating, look on the back of the case to see if it is the right game to choose for your child. You should seek out themes or the type of content that you do not want to expose your child to. Also, read to see if the subjects or themes may benefit your child. Search out the games that encourage the kind of learning you want for them.

3. Keep in mind your child’s age and ability when selecting games. Try to purchase games that are easy to play, if they are new to computer games. Get a start with games that have easy instructions and are pretty easy to play with no prior knowledge. If it is too hard to use, your child may not have any interest in the game that you got for him or her.

4. Select games with additional features. The game may be more fun for the child if it has added extras like a steering wheel or dance pad. Try to find games that extend play further than the control console.

5. Try the game out yourself. You should rent the game and try it out yourself first before you consider buying it. Play with the child as well to see if he or she takes an interest in it. Make sure that your kids respond positively to the game before you actually go out and buy it.

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