Can't get tickets to opening day? Play "Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4" at home. Credit: Lego

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Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screen with the help of these tips! Credit: Getty Images

Between the computer, the TV, the DS, and the Wii, a lot of screens are vying for your kids' attention. Parents try lots of different things to limit screen time -- everything from outright bans to "only on weekends" to setting a timer. Being The Enforcer of Screen Time Limits may solve your "right now" goal of getting kids to turn off. But raising kids with an understanding of healthy screen limits and the ability to self-regulate takes a little more work.

Like everything in parenting, media management is a process -- one that requires balancing your long-range goals with the daily reality of the various devices in your kids' lives. Here's an age-by-age media-management plan with some practical tips to try along the way.

Preschool age. Creating consistent, healthy media habits starting when kids are just beginning to be exposed to screens is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of total screen time for children older than 2 (and zero screen time for children under 2). Use that as a maximum amount and work down from there to find the amount that feels appropriate in your family, factoring in all the things required for healthy preschool brain, body, and social development.

• Provide distractions. Diversions work well for this age group -- and preschoolers love to help out. At dinner time, instead of busying them with the TV while you cook, ask them to sort all your pots and pans from biggest to smallest.

• Practice togetherness. What kids this age need is a close, loving relationship with an active, involved caregiver. It's actually OK to do nothing but count dust bunnies, as long as you're together.

• Do activities. Find a book of rainy-day activities that use household objects for easy little projects you can set up (and clean up!) easily.

Elementary and Middle school. At this age, friends take on a much more significant role in kids' lives. Kids also begin to develop their own interests -- some of which they might want to research on the computer. Explaining the reasons why you're choosing to limit screen time will help your kid begin to understand the consequences of their choices. Help them understand that spending excessive amounts of time in front of a screen impacts their ability to develop a rich and full life -- and takes precious, non-retrievable time away from all the things they need to do (like eat, sleep, do homework, read, and play sports).

• Delegate chores. Working parents can feel guilty asking kids to do chores, but it's actually really good for them -- and it helps you, too. Just remember to keep them manageable.

• Schedule play dates. If kids are going to use the computer or game console, invite a friend (or two) and make it social. That removes the isolating aspect of gaming, which can lead to game addiction, loss of empathy, and social withdrawal.

• Grant privileges. Use screen time as a goal that kids have to work for.

• Encourage creativity. If kids start exploring digital arts, encourage some of the off-line aspects, like drawing, sketching scenes, writing, costume design, etc.

High school. Teenagers still haven't developed the judgment to always make great decisions, but they're smart enough to understand the influences of risky practices. For high schoolers, you'll have more success if you explain the reasons why too much screen time is harmful. For example, too much exposure to violent video games raises aggression and lowers empathy. Your kids may actually be able to see evidence of this in their peers who spend too much time playing games.

• Don't give up. Continue to require household participation like chores, and maybe up the ante by asking teens to make dinner once a week and do their own laundry.

• Make quality choices. You still have a say in what they see, hear, and play. Put in your two cents about the importance of quality media.

• Keep up grades. Pull back on screen time if grades are slipping.

Every family will have different amounts of time that they think is "enough." What's important is giving it some thought, creating age-appropriate limits (with built-in flexibility for special circumstances), making media choices you're comfortable with, and modeling responsible screen limits for your kids.

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The folks at Nintendo are promoting games that stimulate the mind and improve children's IQs. Credit: Getty Images

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Playing interactive video games helps kids stay fit. Credit: Getty Images

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Kids love getting their game on. Credit: Getty Images

• Seventy-eight percent of teens play online games (Pew, 2009).
• More Americans play video games than go to movies (NPD Group, 2009).
• In 2009, females comprised 28 percent of console-game players (NPD Group, 2009).
• National retailers enforced their store policies by refusing to sell M-rated video games to minors 80 percent of the time (Federal Trade Commission, 2008).
• Teens who played games with more civic learning opportunities are more likely to give or raise money for charity and to volunteer (Pew and Mills College, 2008).

• Make sure games are age-appropriate. Know the content of what your kids play, both at home and at friends' houses.
• Establish limits. Be firm from the beginning about how much time kids can play. Some parents set an overall daily media usage time and let kids decide which of the many forms of media they wish to use on a given day. Of course, be very clear about what games your kids can play.
• Find good stuff. While it might seem like kids' video games are all about shooting, you can find games that provide rich, engaging experiences that broaden kids' horizons. Common Sense Media is a great place to start finding these games.
• Be aware of multi-player options. Games often involve some form of player interaction, multi-player gaming, or player-generated content that kids can upload and download. Watch out for open chat and user-generated content that isn't monitored.
• Talk about online ads. Most online games offer lots of free giveaways and downloads that are often full of spyware and malware and will crash your computer sooner or later.
• Get screen savvy. Games are available on every device that has a screen -- including phones. And screens are everywhere. Count that screen time toward your kids' total game playing for the day.

• Choose wisely. Look for games that are educational and stimulating.
• Be there for preschoolers. Sit alongside your preschoolers to help guide them and explain what the game is asking them to do.
• Restrict online communications. Many games for elementary-aged kids offer online components like chat. We don't recommend these features for young children. If they are offered, you can usually disable them.
• Carefully consider game site subscription fees. Many online games charge a fee instead of showing ads. There are pros and cons to paying, but either way your kids will beg to join if their friends use the site. It's your money, so check out the site yourself to see if it's worth the price.

• Set multi-player controls you're comfortable with. Preteen and teen games offer additional player interaction, multi-player action, or player-generated content that kids can upload and download. But these features can be controlled by the player, so set the controls you are comfortable with.
• Watch language. The language in multi-player games can get pretty intense. If you aren't comfortable with what you hear, use the parental controls that disable online play.
• Be on the lookout for violence. Violence ramps up quickly in these games. Check what your kids are playing and limit those games that you feel are excessively violent.

• Be aware of highly addictive games. Games like "Halo 3" allow kids to play against others anywhere in cyberspace. They are designed to take up tons of time, and it's up to you to curb it. As with any battle you may have with your children, you have your work cut out for you.
• Stay involved. Continue to talk to teens about their gaming lives and look for games that help reinforce your family's values.
• Watch spending. Games are expensive, and many offer in-game purchases. Talk to your teens about how much money they're spending on gaming, and whether that money could be better spent elsewhere.

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There's nothing better than when your kids actually develop their own sense of humor. Credit: Getty Images

All parents remember their baby's first smile. And there's nothing better than when your kids actually develop their own sense of humor. Sharing a private joke, silly song or even a nonsense story is more than just a fun way to pass the time: Laughter actually strengthens our bond with our kids.

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Its much easier for kids access inappropriate music than video games. Credit: Getty Images

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Children who play violent video games have weakened abilities to develop empathy and sympathy for others, a new study says. Credit: AP

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Active video games can get you and your family into shape while having fun! Credit: AP

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• Ease of play: The ease of play here may depend on which console you're using. We had no trouble on an Xbox 360 version, but a test of the Wii version showed some confusing discrepancies between onscreen instructions and the buttons you really need to press for some actions.
• Educational value: There is a bit of puzzle-solving in the game, though not as much as in some previous Lego video games. Still some logic and brainwork is required here.
• Role models: The amount of loyalty and teamwork on display from the heroic characters here is impressive. The good guys constantly put themselves in harm's way in order to help out or rescue a friend. And they often try to capture a villain, rather than destroy him or her outright.

• Messages: While there are clear distinctions between good and evil in the Star Wars universe, this particular game can send a somewhat mixed message in that there are a whole series of missions that allow players to take on the role of villains. In these missions, you will have to shoot and destroy many of the heroic characters you've just been playing as.
• Violence: The game's characters are all depicted as plastic Lego toys, which mitigates the severity of the violence, but the fighting here is much more intense than in previous Lego video games. There are massive battle scenes, during which there appear to be hundreds of combatants onscreen. Laser blasts and fiery explosions are everywhere you look. And it gets loud. Lego characters break apart when killed. During one movie sequence, a hero character loses an arm (he replaces it, but it hangs down, floppy and useless). In another, a good guy is shot in the chest and appears to die, but a Jedi character "heals" him by removing the bullet hole (which turns out to be a decal).
• Sex: You see a droid on the toilet as a visual joke.
• Language: Not an issue.
• Consumerism: The game is awash in licensed images from both the Star Wars and Lego brands. Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not an issue.

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Family friend games that you'll love to play too! Credit: Getty Images

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Share these fun things to do with your kids! Credit: Getty Images

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• Ease of play: Shot controls are immediately accessible, allowing players of all skill levels to quickly get their bearings. However, it is also a deep simulation that allows for nuance and strategy, meaning skilled players will find the challenge they seek as the game progresses. Several difficulty settings help ensure players of all experience levels are adequately challenged.
• Educational value: Many players will come away with an improved understanding of the rules and strategies involved in tennis
• Messages: This game simulates professional tennis. It encourages an interest in the sport while demonstrating the sort of training and dedication required to become a top athlete. It also promotes healthy competition among friends.
• Role models: More than two dozen professional tennis stars, both male and female, appear in the game. They express both glee and disappointment when they make good or bad shots as well as upon the victory or loss of a match. They never appear too dejected, and they never get angry at their opponents. They shake hands and smile at the conclusion of matches.

• Online interaction: This game supports online play with open voice communication, which means players could be subjected to foul language and inappropriate topics of conversation and could share personal information with others.
• Violence & scariness: Not an issue.
• Language: Not an issue.
• Consumerism: This tennis game not only promotes dozens of real-life tennis stars, but also features a wide variety of known brands, including Head, Yonex, Adidas, and others. Logos appear on equipment and ads can be seen surrounding the court.

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• Ease of play: Gameplay has shifted from button controls to the thumbsticks. Players use them to pitch, hit, and field. A practice mode allows players to learn moves at their own pace. The PlayStation 3 version supports the PlayStation Move motion controller.
• Educational value: The game teaches players about the sport of baseball, including rules and strategies.
• Messages: This game emphasizes teamwork while allowing players the opportunity to make key plays leading to victory, creating a sense of achievement.
• Role models: This game features current Major League Baseball players. These players work together as part of a team.

• Online interaction: This game features online play with open chat, which means kids could be subjected to inappropriate language and topics of discussion and have the opportunity to share personal information.
• Violence: Not an issue.
• Sex: Not an issue.
• Language: Not an issue.
• Consumerism: Ads for popular brands, such as Citi, State Farm, and PlayStation, can be spotted in stadiums on scoreboards and outfield walls.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not an issue.

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• Ease of play: It feels like there's more to keep track of here than ever before in a Pokemon game; however, all the various rules and strategies are explained quite clearly through the course of the story.
• Educational value: There's a well-known strategic element to Pokemon battles, as players must figure out which Pokemon to use, when to use certain moves, and when to use bonus items. Kids must also keep track of their in-game money and spend it wisely.
• Online interaction: While kids don't need to play this game online, there is a heavy online component offered. Players can battle against online friends, or, for the first time, random players from around the world. If they have a DSi with a camera, they can engage in video chat as well, though only with registered friends. Still, Common Sense Media recommends caution for any game involving live chat. Kids can connect wirelessly to trade Pokemon, and they can also enter an online Dreamworld to play special mini-games and meet (and copy the save files of) other players' Pokemon.
• Messages: There's always been something a little troubling about Pokemon's basic concept: Humans capture wild Pokemon and make them fight each other. In this story, the developers tackle the issue head on, with Team Plasma -- "villains" whose goal is to liberate the Pokemon. The protagonists argue that Pokemon are happier with their human owners and develop loving bonds with them. Neither side is specifically stated to be wrong, but Team Plasma comes across as villains because they use questionable tactics to achieve their goals.
• Role models: While the heroes are on the side of keeping the Pokemon (rather than setting them free), they talk repeatedly about the importance of caring for their Pokemon, seeing to their needs, making sure they are happy, etc. They truly want to get across the message that humans must treat their animals with kindness.

• Violence: As in most previous Pokemon games, fighting is depicted in unrealistic, turn-by-turn strategic battles. Some of the moves have violent names, like "Bite," "Scratch," and "Incinerate," but you'll never see one Pokemon touch another. With some of the moves, you will see water or fire rise up around the Pokemon, but damage is still only depicted by a health meter going down. Losing Pokemon "faint." No one dies.
• Sex: Not an issue.
• Language: Not an issue.
• Consumerism: The game is sold in two versions, Black and White, and both contain the same storyline, but each has one exclusive Pokemon monster that the other doesn't. Each version also has one exclusive area to explore: Black has an urban city and White has a lush forest. By releasing these games at the same time, they tempt kids to own both.
• Drinking, drugs, and smoking: Not an issue.

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• Ease of play: "Bulletstorm" is quite easy to pick up and play, especially if you've played other first-person shooters in the past. Movement is tied to the left analog stick; the left trigger is to aim and the right trigger is to shoot. Other moves can be learned, such as sliding, whipping, and kicking.
• Educational value: Meant to entertain rather than educate.

• Online interaction: The game is playable online for all three versions of the game: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Up to four players can play at the same time over the Internet in a number of multiplayer modes. A headset microphone is supported, which means players can talk to each other while fighting online. That means players may be exposed to foul language and inappropriate topics of conversation, and that they can share personal information.
• Messages: The game offers no positive messages. The objective is to kill as many enemies as possible to get off of a planet, and players are rewarded for doing this in a creative fashion. There are plenty of sexual and alcohol references, and strong profanity.
• Role models: You play as a space pirate, Grayson Hunt, who steals and kills for a living. At the start of the game, we learn he was tricked by his employer into killing innocent people when he was told they were serial killers, mass murderers, and gun runners, and he seems upset by this realization. However, Hunt and his cyborg partner Ishi spend the game killing mutants and creatures in creative ways and seem to enjoy the gory action.
• Violence: Extremely violent, bloody and gory, Bulletstorm is all about "killing with skill" (as it says on the back of the box). From a first-person perspective, you'll shoot, whip, and kick human enemies and creatures. This includes blowing their head off (resulting in an explosion of flesh and blood), impaling them onto sharp objects, and kicking them into the air and filling them with lead. These sequences are slowed down for dramatic effect. Players are rewarded for creative kills.
• Sex: The game contains many sexual references, including having sex with someone's mother (to insult them), contracting venereal diseases, and extreme profanity that refers to sexual acts or body parts ("c--ksucker," "mother f--ker," "d--kless," "shake that sweet little can of yours" and "son of a whore"). You can also shoot at the exposed buttocks of some enemies for bonus points.
• Language: "Bulletstorm" contains extreme profanity, some of which is outlined in the "Sex" section. Other examples of its frequent and strong language includes "what the f--k?," "f--ked up," "I will f--k up your life," "shut the f--k up," "a--holes, "s--thead," "pile of s--t," "dogs--t," "a--maggot," "holy piss s--t," "hell," "damn," and many others.
• Consumerism: Material in the box advertises other "Mature"-rated EA games, including "Gears of War 3," "Dead Space 2," and "Dragon Age II."
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The main character can consume alcohol from a bottle, causing his vision to become blurred. If he kills under this effect he receives an "Intoxicated Skillshot" bonus. Dialogue includes phrases such as "you're drunk again," and "any booze left on this ship?"

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• Ease of play: Controls work very smoothly. If the camera work seems problematic at first, know that you can adjust the X and Y axes and the speed with which the camera moves; it's very likely you can find a setting that will be comfortable for your personal style of play. The game offers two levels of difficulty: Easy and Normal.
• Educational value: There are puzzle aspects to many of the levels, but the intention of the game is definitely entertainment over education.
• Messages: On the whole, the message is a positive one. Blob is a hero, determined to bring color (and freedom) back to a world ruled by a tyrant. Certain story moments, though, pose moral questions to players, asking them to choose between pursuing a fleeing villain or rescuing innocents.
• Role models: Blob and Pinky are self-sacrificing heroes who value the freedom of their people. Players could choose to make Blob a bit more callous in his pursuit of the bad guys if they opt to follow the villains rather than save the innocents at certain points.

• Violence: Blob fights enemy robots at times with a jump-and-smash ability (or sidekick Pinky can zap them with paint). Defeated emenies disappear in a burst of ink.
• Sex: Not an issue.
• Language: "Damnit" appears in a cutscene.
• Consumerism: Not an issue.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not an issue.

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• Ease of play: The game's controls are scalable. Therefore if you're a novice gamer, you can opt for the streamlined controls for a simplified button layout, while advanced gamers can learn sophisticated moves and combos to tackle opponents.
• Educational value: Meant to entertain, not educate.

• Online interaction: Up to eight players can battle it out online and talk freely with one another via an optional headset microphone. That means players can easily share personal information and may be exposed to unsuitable language and subjects of discussion.
• Messages: The sole focus of this game is over-the-top fighting. Plus, players control male characters that punch and kick women (though the women in the game are equally capable fighters).
• Role models: There is no main protagonist in this game, but rather a wide range of playable characters. The fighters' personalities aren't developed well enough to ascertain whether they're good people, though many players will have a pretty good idea as to whether they're good or evil based on their previous appearances in games, comics, and movies. Regardless, all they do in the game is fight, making all of them poor role models for kids.
• Violence: "Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds" is a fighting game, therefore the game revolves around violence -- in this case, between Marvel and Capcom's characters. While there is no blood and environments are over-the-top (including in space), players will engage in hand-to-hand combat, use weapons (swords, pistols and throwing knives) as well as magical attacks (fireballs, lightning strikes, and so on).
• Sex: The game's female fighters are dressed provocatively. Players see plenty of skin, including (almost) bare buttocks and deep cleavage. One woman's breasts are barely covered by thin strips of material.
• Language: Some characters use mild language, including "hell," "damn," "ass" and "bitch."
• Consumerism: This game features not just well-known video game characters, but also several popular personalities from the Marvel Comics universe, including Hulk, Ion Man, and Wolverine.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not an issue.

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• Ease of play: Exhibition matches and mini-games offer players the option of changing between three difficulties. The easiest offers early grade-schoolers a good chance of success while the hardest should prove a fair test for experienced gamers. Players can also select whether to use a remote and nunchuk combination or simply a remote, which simplifies controls and is a better choice for beginners.
• Educational value: Meant to entertain rather than educate.
• Online interaction: Players can play against others -- strangers or registered friends -- online. There is no support for voice or text communication, meaning players cannot exchange information with one another.
• Messages: Aside from helping foster an interest in four real world sports, this game encourages friendly competition, cooperation, and social gaming. There is a little fighting in hockey, and players can unlock tricks that can turn the game around.
• Role models: Each of the game's heroes and villains is equipped with animations and facial expressions depicting celebration and dejection. Winners don't gloat, but the losers are clearly sad and frustrated for having lost.

• Violence & scariness: Roughhousing is generally limited to characters getting beaned by balls then falling on the ground. In hockey, however, characters can get into fights with one another that players control by rapidly waving the Wii Remote back and forth. Fights are depicted via flailing arms, swung sticks, puffs of smoke, and, at the end, someone falling backwards on his or her bum. A separate hockey mini-game has players whacking each other in an effort to knock opponents off of a platform.
• Language: Not an issue.
• Consumerism: This game stars Mario -- the world's most popular and prolific video game character -- and other Nintendo icons. It also references characters and music from non-Nintendo games, including those in Square Enix's Final Fantasy library.

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