Parents, and even some researchers, have long blamed video games for such problems as obesity, violence, depression and detachment from family and friends.
Let’s start out with the stats:

But, Brigham Young University School of Family Life researchers stand by a positive notion that could surprise some people: Video games may help strengthen the bond between parents and their daughters. The study found that girls who played video games with a parent behaved better, felt more connected to their families and had better mental health than those girls who did not play video games with their parents. Researchers also found that these game-playing gals had lower levels of internalization of emotions and higher levels of social behavior with their family members than those who did not play video games with parents. But, there was no evidence of such benefits with boys.

It is important to note that positive bonding time was only associated with age-appropriate video games. At a recent Activision Games For Girls Summit, they presented 6 games for that girls most often play: Lalaloopsy, Zoobles, Wappy Dog, ZhuZhu Babies, Moshi Monsters: Moshling Zoo and Squinkies 2: Adventure Mall Surprize! All of these featured games have some level of nurture and care for the creatures and characters.

• Does your girl like making cute things? She might like Lalaloopsy.
• Zoobles allows your girl to take care for their zoobles and explore whimsical worlds.
• Meet Wappy Dog! He’s the best pet to give to your child this holiday 🙂
• Zhuzhu Babies brings your pets alive by caring & nurturing them. Note: Targeted for youngest gamer with voice guidance.
• Moshi Monsters is the world’s fastest growing online game for kids. Moshi Monsters: Moshling Zoo expands their online gaming experience on the Nintendo DS.

I am giving a lucky reader Squinkies 2: Adventure Mall Surprize Nintendo DS video game and Squinkies Tiny Toy Set. Comment below why you like to play video games. You can also enter by following Real Posh Mom and tweet the giveaway. Make sure to include @realposhmom and @ATVIGames4Girls in your tweet. The giveaway will end November 28.

Disclosure: I was given the above gifts at the Activision Games For Girls Summit.  I was not obligated to write this review but wanted to share what I learned at the summit.