Control the video controller for your child’s sake: SouthFlorida.com

If you're like many parents, the only thing your kid wanted for the holidays was some sort of electronic game. So you caved. You put one under the tree or next to the menorah. And now you find you can barely wrestle the controller out of your mesmerized child's hands.

Don't give up trying to control that controller. Excessive video-game playing is cause for concern. Experts continue to report that children who spend hours in front of the TV set are at a high risk for becoming overweight. But did you know that those who play video games may be at an even greater risk for obesity? A 2004 study at the University of Texas found a greater correlation between children's weight and video game play.

Game developer and children's advocate Howard Sherman offers these tips to help parents protect their children from overexposure to virtual reality:

1. Strike a Deal. Instead of eliminating video games from your house, compromise. Set limits and trade reading time or active play for video game time. Or for every new activity they try, reward your children with a predetermined amount of video game fun.

2. Make New Friends. Kids with few friends and low self-confidence often use video games as a way to cope with their loneliness. Help them expand their social circle by trying out new clubs or activities where they will be able to interact and have fun with other children.

3. Redefine your Child's Sense of Fun. If your kids love the thrill and excitement of certain video games, help them achieve that adrenaline rush in the real world. While virtual water skiing or basketball may seem exciting on screen, give them the chance to try out the real thing or some other new hobby or sport. Discover what sparks your child's interest and run with it.

4. Get Involved. Be an active participant in your child's game selection and know the ratings. Educational games can be just as fun as action adventures. Research has shown that some games can actually enhance visual and logic skills and increase literacy. Not all gaming side-effects are negative.

5. Be a Role Model. You are responsible for setting the example of living a healthy lifestyle. Enforce set times for snacks and meals and make sure your kids are not munching on junk food while in front of the screen.