This story is likely to indicate that you are a concerned parent and wouldn’t buy your 8-year old the new car. “Battlefield 4″Video game for the holidays. No matter how many hissy fits there are. You have a lot of other things going on right now. — but not every title is age-inappropriate.

What should you do?

Let’s first remember why kids love playing. video gamesPositive is the best word. “When kids are asked, in focus groups and surveys, what they like about video games, they generally talk about freedom, self-direction and competence,”Psychology Today featured Peter Gray, a Boston College researcher. Know that there are plenty of resources to help you.

Here are some ways to make smart choices.

* Check the box. Each one includes a letter on its front indicating the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s maturity level — i.e. “EC”For early childhood “E10+”For those aged 10 and above, “T”For teen — the cover’s reverse side is the basis for the grade. This means that if you’re not sure if a videogame is rated, it’s best to ask. “E”For everyone (or even just for you). “M”For mature (17 or older): Content descriptors such as “fantasy violence”This could be the decisive factor.

While producers are not required submit games to the ESRB for review, GameStop is one of the ESRB’s retail partners.www.gamestop.com) say they make a point of only carrying ESRB-rated games. “Each child has a unique personality, and we believe in helping parents protect younger players from overly mature content,”Jason Cochran, vice-president of store operations, strategic initiatives, at the company which is the world’s biggest multichannel retailer of videogames, says that the company is a great place to start.

* Understand the gaming lingo. That feeling of being clueless that your child gets when they misunderstand gaming terms? “FPS”Around the house? The website RespectTheRatings.com explains their meaning — in this case, “first person shooter,”Signifying a game in which the player can see the action through the eyes its main character. It also provides useful tips such as the availability built-in parental controls for handheld devices.

* Ask the experts. A little over 73 percent are rated “E”Through “T,”GameStop has it all “Game Advisors”In every shop, they can tell you which ones stimulate creativity”Disney Infinity”These are wonderful fantasies that you can have, say”Angry Birds: Star Wars”

A final tip: Try the games in-store if you are unsure.