Yesterday we address the question of violent video games causing violent behavior. Today, I want to answer the other big question. Will video games turn your child into an overweight slob, with no job, eating Cheetos while staring at the TV in my basement when they are 40?

As a parent, you want your child to grow up to be a well-rounded, contributing member of society. You want them to have a life of meaning. You do not want them to be the stereotypical gamer.

That stereotype, as with most, is false. I have played video games most my life. I have also lived a very full, meaningful life. I played in the band and on the soccer team in high school. I finished college in 3 years with a computer science degree. I met and married an amazing woman. I have 2, about to be 3, kids. I own a house, pay my bills, and have no debt.

The stories you hear from the news media are extreme cases. Yes, there are people who get obsessed. But that is the case no matter what hobby you are talking about.

The key is finding balance. It is our job as parents to help our kids find that balance. We are responsible for setting boundaries that allow them to flourish and grow in a healthy way.

Tomorrow I am going to release an e-book called Connecting with Your Teenager through Video Games. Its purpose is to equip you as a parent with the knowledge you need to connect with your kids through video games. It will help you evaluate a game’s content plus give you ideas on how to be involved in your gamer’s gaming.