Many video games on the market are being made for younger and younger children.  Even if a video game is not violent, it is still quick paced and not the best way for very young children to learn.   Research shows that when images move too fast, youngsters have a hard time keeping up.  By limiting young children's exposure to video games, parents:

▪ Help young brains develop in appropriate ways

▪ Prepare youngsters to be able to control video games when they get older

Ensure a healthy play environment to support optimal learning!

Video games can over-stimulate youngsters.  The hurried pace can keep youngsters at a high level of excitation.  Then, when they are finished playing the game, they can't settle down easily.  The more they play video games, the more rambunctious they become.

Some children become ill.  Children can become nauseated, tired or listless, or experience headaches during and after playing a video game.

Video games won't help children learn to pay attention.  Youngsters develop the ability to focus and sustain concentration over time when they are in self-directed activities like putting a puzzle together, doing an art project, or engaging in imaginative play.

Video games limit physical movement.    Running, jumping, climbing-all forms of physical activity will teach gross motor skills.  Beginning a sedentary lifestyle in early childhood can damage children's health for the rest of their lives.

Video games can be addictive.    The younger children begin on these games, the more likely they will want more and more of them!  That's because young brains are easily conditioned.  By holding out on getting a video game system until a child is 10-12 years old, parents make lives a lot easier for themselves and a lot more productive for young brains.