Family Gaming Practices

There are many parents who are against video games for their children.  Typically they all have a similar litany of reasons why video games will lead to the destruction of civilization, as we know it. I am not going to point counter point listing all of the reasons. I will however discuss a few best practices that I have found enable video games to have a positive impact on family life.

Our eight-year-old daughter rarely plays the Wii alone, my wife and or I normally play with her. This has helped make the Wii a family experience. 

No new games until a game is completed. This has helped her see the importance of completing what is started.  The only exception is that she can buy games with her own money as she chooses.

During the week she is not allowed to play video games until all homework has been completed, checked, and her daily reading and music practice is complete. On the weekends it is open as to when gaming can be played. This has worked for our family.

Share your best practices and how gaming is handled in your family.