Parenting Tweens


Feature Writer: Denise Oliveri
Denise Oliveri, Dan Oliveri

If you are looking for ways to better communicate with your tween, learn about the adolescent culture, or see the latest in tween trends, welcome!

Tweens are 9- to 12-year-olds. Find advice on how to help your tween deal with things like being a latchkey kid, how to deal with situations in school, making new friends, or learning to be confident with who they are. There are also unwanted demands on our tweens, such as peer pressure and early dating. Of course, there are responsibilities that help a tween grow. Find out what chores your tween is able to handle at this age, along with instilling values and family structure. Take time to participate in a with your thoughts and feelings about raising tweens.

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Parenting Tweens - Tween Girls, Flickr
feature articles
Denise Oliveri

Help! We Are Changing Schools

In: Tween Communication

Moving is hard for children. They are leaving their friends and the environment that they are comfortable with. Make changing schools easier with these tips. more...

The Facts About Lice

In: Parenting Tweens (general)

Lice can become an uncontrollable problem quickly. Learn the facts about lice and how to go about treating it, if your tween becomes infested. more...

Multiple Kids & Saving for College

In: Parenting Tweens (general)

It's hard enough when a family is planning to send one child to college. So, how do families save when they have multiple children? Here are some tips to get you started. more...

Planning for a Family Emergency

In: Parenting Tweens (general)

A family emergency can happen at any time, so being prepared is very important. Here are some things to think about when planning for such an event. more...

Helping Twin Tweens Be Individuals

In: Tween Communication

It is so easy to associate everything twins do as a twosome. Many tweens want to be individuals, and not stuck in the twin rut all the time. What can you do? Read on... more...

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feature blog
Denise Oliveri

May 15, 2008

Video Game Ratings Guide

If you are confused about the ratings on video games, take a look at this guide to answer some of your questions.


Video games are an embedded part of our children's lives. With all the games available for purchase, and all the different ratings given to games, it is no wonder that parents stand there confused about what to let their child play. Use this handy guide to explain the ratings, so you can decide if a game is right for your child.

ESRB (something you see on every video game case) stands for the Entertainment Software Rating Board. These are the guys that review and rate the content on each and every video game on all gaming systems across the board, from Playstation to XBox 360, and others.

eC - Early Childhood: Should have nothing that is inappropriate for any age. These games are recommended for children ages 3 and up.

E - Everyone: Could have some minimal violence and very mild language. These games are recommended for children ages 6 and up.

E10+ - Everyone 10 and older: Likely contains cartoon or fantasy violence, mild language, and possible suggestive themes. These games are recommended for children aged 10 and up.

T - Teen: High levels of violence and/or language, strong suggestive themes, along with crude humor and simulated gambling. These games are recommended for children 13 and up.

M - Mature: Likely contains sexual behavior, abusive language, and bloody violence. Must be 17 or over to purchase with ID.

Ao - Adults Only: Likely contains graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and nudity. Must be 18 or over to purchase with ID.

It is your discretion as the parent what you want your child to view on screen. Just because a rating system suggests something, does not necessarily mean the content is acceptable based on family values. A parent should always be involved in the purchase of video games, especially with younger children.

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