Introduce Video Games Positively

Karen Cheng is a writer, designer and mother of two, who runs an award winning website about the beautiful moments of everyday life.
www.karencheng.com.au

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I am very opposed to the idea of young children playing video games.

But today, a friend of mine told me that her son, at age 5 asked for an Xbox - because all his friends had one. After a year of nagging and tantrums, they caved in and bought him one. Now at the age of 6, he plays games based on his favourite cartoon movies - Shrek, Ice Age, Nemo, Sponge Bob.

Now call me old fashioned or conservative, but this thought horrifies me!! (My son is only 3.)

It made me think of things I could do when I eventually decide to introduce my kids to video games.

Concepts that I have set.  Concepts that I get to follow up on during non-computer time.
Concepts that are positive, exciting, educational and fun.

And concepts that are introduced before the child gets influenced by friends, older kids, tv, movies, advertising, promotions on everyday products etc.

Concepts such as :
For sport based video games

• Playing on the computer is secondary to playing outside
• Teach scoring and strategy
• By practicing, you develop skill
• Teamwork, sportsmanship and cooperation is important for sport!
• Reiterate ideas, rules and techniques that I have told him during OUR outdoor playing sessions

For educational based video games (maths, spelling, science etc)

• Video games help us practice maths / spelling needed in the real world
• Visual learning
• Follow up maths / spelling skills outside of computer time
• Reiterate ideas that I have told him during OUR non-computer learning sessions

For story based video games

• Encourage sense of adventure and imagination
• Play adventure games outside computer time
• Talk about stories/characters outside computer time
• Explain and explore the idea of "consequences to your character's actions"

Also :
1) Play the video games WITH your children
2) Set limits on time spent on video games
3) Be aware of other changes like - nightmares, aggressive behaviour
4) Keep video games out of the child's bedroom
5) Lead by example

So am I being completely idealistic here?
Do your kids play video games? What kind of games do they play?
What would you have done differently?
Is this good advice??