Photo by Isengardt via Flickr

Why do boys spend so many hours playing videogames?  And how worried should we be about the hours they spend gaming?

To get some answers, we turned to a true expert: Greg Wondra, a former boy & current parent who also happens to be video game designer who worked on the MLB 2K series, Wizard 101, Lost Planet 3, and Monkeyquest,

Greg Wondra, video game designer & dad

In this episode, Jen, Janet & Greg discuss:

* Why boys are so attracted to video games

* How to help boys balance video games and other activities

* Red flags that might signal a problem with gaming

* What you need to know about social games and online gaming (such as Fortnite)

* How video games help boys develop 21st century job skills

* How games are designed to "suck you in" -- & how you can counter their call

Links we mentioned (and more!) in Episode 108:

How the War on Video Games is Hurting Your Son, by Jennifer L.W. Fink

Are Video Games Bad for Boys? (YouTube video featuring Greg Wondra)

Gamasutra.com -- gaming industry website

What’s your experience with boys & video games?  Share in the comments below…