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Heard of Bisphenol-A (BPA)? If not, get ready, because you’re about to. The chemical is used in a variety of consumer products, but its use in water bottles, baby bottles, and food cans that has been a growing source of concern due to BPA’s possible links to number of health problems.

Now The Boston Globe is reporting that CVS has joined Wal-Mart, Nalgene and “other companies in pulling tens of thousands of the shatter-proof, transparent products off store shelves” because they contain BPA. According to the article, BPA has been linked to reproductive problems and possible cancers in animals. It’s also possible that it contributes to obesity. However, plastics industry representatives say “no study has proved a link between Bisphenol A and health problems in humans.”

So let me get this straight: a growing number of scientists and consumer groups have been warning about the possible dangers of BPA and now retailers, including the world’s largest, are pulling products containing BPA off the shelves. And while all this is happening, the chemical industry is saying not to worry? Hmm, I wonder whom I should trust with my family’s health.

Since the evidence is pointing toward BPA being harmful, does it make sense to keep using products that contain it? Of course not. Look, if the chemical industry turns out to be right, and independent studies support them, I’ll consider using products containing BPA again. But until that happens I’m going to look for alternatives.

What can you do?

Well, for starters, don’t panic. Although the list of possible medical issues is scary, remember that no direct link between BPA and those issues in humans has been identified. However, according to a source quoted by The New York Times article linked below, “research strongly suggested that polycarbonate food and beverage containers and food cans were the main source of human exposure to B.P.A.” So reducing or eliminating your family’s exposure to these sources should also reduce the potential risk. And doing this is easy:

1 – Check Your Plastic Bottles and Containers
Look at the recycling logo on any shatterproof plastic bottles or containers you’re using to store food or beverages, including baby bottles. If the number 7 appears inside the logo, the container may contain BPA and you should consider using alternatives. I found the logo on our Nalgene bottles, but thankfully not on our daughter’s cups. Her old bottles, Playtex Ventaire Naturals, had no recycling mark on them, but the Z Report (see below) shows other bottles in the Ventaire line as containing BPA, so I’m glad we’re done using them.

2 – Look for BPA-Free Alternatives
If you do find problem containers, see if you can identify other options, especially for baby bottles. One place to look is the Z Report on BPA in Children’s Feed Products. This site has BPA information for bottles, tableware, pacifiers, utensils, and more. They also offer a text-messaging service, a great option if you want information on a product while you’re in the store. Simply send a text message containing the company name and product line (e.g. ‘avent pacifiers’) and you’ll receive an automated reply with related information.

As far as food cans go, just reduce the amount of canned foods you eat by eating fresh or frozen foods instead. Of course, this also means you’ll probably be eating better, so that’s an added bonus.

3 – Learn More About Bisphenol A
This is a developing issue and both sides are trying to promote their views. The best thing you can do is stay informed and make up your own mind. Go beyond what you see on the nightly news and do your own research. I found the links below by searching Google for “Bisphenol A”, but there are plenty more out there.

• A Hard Plastic is Raising Hard Questions – New York Times (added 4/23)
• Canada Likely to Label Plastic Ingredient ‘Toxic’ – New York Times
• News You Can Use: How Can I Avoid BPA? – ABC News
• Bisphenol A Free
• National Geographic Green Guide
• Wikipedia Entry on Bisphenol A
• Z Recommends collection of BPA links (added 4/29)
• Safe Mamma BPA Free Bottle and Sippy Cup Cheat Sheet (added 5/07)
• Plastics Industry Sites:
  • American Chemistry Council’s “Facts on Plastic”
  • BisphenolA

So let’s hear from you: Did you find any products with BPA in your home? If so, what alternatives are you using?

The Telegraph posted a story yesterday about a Pelham man who had advertised a party on MySpace. Among those who paid to get in were 25 minors from Dracut, Lowell, Lawrence, Chelmsford, Tyngsboro, Tewksbury, Nashua and Hampton. But I’m not posting about this story because local kids were drinking, after all that’s nothing new. And although I have to wonder why a 40-year-old man let minors into his party, I’m also not writing about that.

It was the headline that prompted me to write: Pelham police bust ‘Myspace’ [sic] drinking party

Yes, the party was advertised on the host’s MySpace account, but this wasn’t a ‘MySpace’ party any more than a party advertised via e-mail is an ‘e-mail’ party. Instead, the headline s is simply an attempt to draw in readers by using a buzzword. And since it got me to read it, I guess it worked. But honestly, I’d be surprised if the majority of social activities, including illegal drinking, involving 14-20 year-olds weren’t organized using social media. Why? Because that’s how teens are talking to each other. And if you think that’s not the case, then you haven’t been paying attention.

Look, teens are teens. They do stupid things. I know I did when I was young and I’m sure you did too. And that’s what this story is about: teens who did something stupid. But because of the very minor roll MySpace played in it, this story could also be another reason for some parents to say, “that’s it, no MySpace in my house!”

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned about how our children use social media, in fact quite the opposite. However, if you’re considering a household ban as a solution, I urge you to look at other options. Forbidding things outright isn’t going to solve the problem. I remember how well it worked when I was a teen and I don’t think technology has improved anything. Back in my day (insert old man voice), we organized parties by phone. Prohibiting phone use back then was a lot easier than it is today, but we still got around it. How are you going to control things that can be accessed from just about any computer?

Myspace..Facebook..Twitter..instant messaging, e-mail, blogs…your children have a number of new communication channels available to them. And yes, some of them could put them at risk in ways that we could never have imagined when we were their age. But we’re not their age anymore and it’s now up to us to help them understand the risks, and opportunities, involved with new media, particularly social media. These technologies aren’t inherently bad or good, so rather than freaking out over possible problems, let’s help our kids understand the world they live in and what we expect of them. Let’s give them the tools to make smart choices, even when we’re not around. Hopefully, we’ll be able to help them see why being among 25 minors drinking in a group of “approximately 100 people in the basement of a home” is probably something they should avoid.

To learn more about how kids are using social media, I suggest watching Frontline: Growing Up Online. Not only can you watch the full program online, but you’ll also find additional related information. Of course, you could also simply ask your kids what they’re doing online. No really, you might just learn something. And finally, remember that social media also offers you and your children new ways of communicating with each other.
Of course, I’m sure some of you might think I’m out of line for writing about this when my own daughter is only 2. Don’t worry, my time will come. After all, 12 years ago we could never have imagined the options for communicating that are available today. And who knows what the next 12 years will bring. The only thing I can be sure of is that when my daughter is 14, I’ll be looking back enviously on the days when all parents had to deal with were things like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

So how are you dealing with your children’s online lives?

New Hampshire just keeps getting better and better, at least according to CQ Press. They’ve named NH the “Most Livable State” for the fifth time in a row. This year we’re the only New England state in the top five spots which also include Utah, Wyoming, Minnesota and Iowa.

New Hampshire also ranked highly on the list of “Healthiest States,” passing our neighboring states in our move from last year’s #5 ranking to this year’s #2 spot behind Minnesota. Vermont, Maine And Massachusetts came in right behind us.
And if that’s not enough to convince you that New Hampshire is a great place to live, consider that CQ Press also named NH the “Safest State” for 2008 (up from last year’s #3 spot).

Visit the CQ Press website for the full lists and additional information:

• Crime State Rankings 2008
• Health Care State Rankings 2008
• State Rankings 2008

By now I’m sure you’ve heard of Google Maps. Like many people, you’ve probably already used it (or a similar mapping service) to find directions to a new restaurant, store or other family destination. But now Southern New Hampshire families have another reason to use it: Google has mapped the Manchester and Nashua areas with their “Street View” feature.

What’s Street View?

The Street View feature puts you “in” the map. You can move up and down streets and see things as if you were driving down the street in real life. Just search for an address on Google Maps as normal. If the address is in a Street View area you’ll see a “Street View” button. Click this and then click the little person on the map to start your virtual trip. You can click the photo to move up and down the street as well as pan around 360 the images

So What Good is It?

Once you get past the “golly gee” factor, you may start thinking of ways to use this. Here are a few I came up with while playing with it:

1. “See” a New Destination Before You Actually Go There
   Visit local destinations from your computer and find landmarks to make it easier to find them when you’re surrounded by the distractions of driving.
2. House Hunting
   It’s a buyer’s market right now. Check out the neighborhood around potential houses before you visit the house.
3. Remember Summer
   The Street View images currently being used were taken this past summer (the Telegraph article linked below pinpoints some of the Nashua photos to August 2). Ok, this may be another “golly gee,” but on a snowy day like today, it’s just nice to see images of New Hampshire in the summer. So even though it’s snowing right now, you can “stroll” around without bundling up.

What About Privacy Issues?

Ok this is where things get interesting. To create Street View, Google drove around taking pictures of local streets, and the property all around them. In doing this, did they capture anything that couldn’t be seen by any one else driving or walking on those same streets? It’s unlikely. Of course, if you or your family were visible from your street when it was mapped, you’re part of the site for everyone to see. And that’s where things could get interesting. There are already sites that catalog interesting Street View images, for example streetviewr. So what if Google saw something you’d rather they hadn’t? No problem: Google provides a link to report inappropriate images on the “Street View Help” link. But is that enough?

Let us know what you think: Is Street View a great feature or an invasion of privacy?

February 17 Nashua Telegraph Article
Feburary 14 Union Leader Article

Am I going to hand (my daughter) the remote so she can access 100+ channels of digital TV by herself?

I asked that question about a year ago in a post titled “Say Hello to Generation We.” What I didn’t know then was that it wouldn’t be the TV she was going to be interested in this early, but the remote itself. Since writing that my daughter has developed a keen interest in “daddy’s remote,” a.k.a our universal remote. We tried giving her the remote from an old VCR, but she wasn’t fooled.

Fortunately, Fobis Technologies has solutions for parents looking to give their children a level of control, but still keep them, and your AV equipment, safe. In this post we’ll look at the weemote 3 which can simplify control of a TV and set-top box (cable or satellite). Fobis also sells the weemote Sr. which is functionally identical to the weemote, but features a more sedated color scheme and some tweaks to the default settings to make it friendlier for seniors. We’ll review the weemote dV, which controls DVRs and DVD players, in an upcoming post.

First Impressions

At first glance the weemote looks like a toy, but I mean that in a good way. The rounded shape and bright colors wouldn’t look out of place in a Fisher-Price catalog. And like most toys, the weemote can stand up to the abuse that kids can dish out. During our review it survived being stepped on, dropped onto hardwood floors, and even being licked. Needless to say, I wasn’t willing to subject “daddy’s remote” to those tests. And I certainly wouldn’t recommend trying the last one on any remote.

Ten bright buttons (Mute, Power, Volume Up/Down, Channel Up/Down, and five “Favorite Buttons”) and an LED poke through the weemote’s shell. The Favorite Buttons are each shaped differently (a square, triangle, pentagon, circle, and star) to allow younger children to use the remote, e.g. “press the star to watch Disney”. At the bottom of the remote is a plastic door that protects the six programming buttons.

Basic Setup

Like other aftermarket remotes, the weemote must be programmed to control your TV and, if you have one, set-top box. This is done by entering a code or two from the Quickstart booklet. I had to try a couple different codes for our Sony TV, but our Comcast cable box worked on the first code. Once this is done, you enter up to ten favorite channels. The first five will be accessed using the weemote’s Favorite Buttons and the second will be accessible using the channel up/down buttons.

One important thing to note: If the device you use to change channels (TV or set-top box) is not listed in the Quickstart booklet, you will not be able to use the weemote to change channels, greatly reducing it’s usefulness. Fortunately, the weemote is pre-programmed with codes for a wide range of products. However, you may want to check the list in the booklet (available online) if you’re using unusual equipment.

Advanced Setup

Here’s where I get to geek out a bit. As I mentioned, the weemote is very easy to set up, but beneath that bight plastic are a powerful set of options that can help you tweak the way it works to fine tune it to your preferences. For example, you can do any (or all) of the following:

• Disable volume controls
• Limit channel up/down to favorite channels or allow it to access all available channels
• Tune to Favorite Channel #1 at start up
• Auto-program children’s channels for users with DIRECTV Total Choice or Total Choice Plus
• Adjust the speed of the remote signals
• Adjust the delay of the keypad
• Adjust power options (disable/enable TV and/or cable/satellite box power)
• Select a TV input to tune to at start up (limited)
• Learn commands from your existing remote(s) to the Mute, Volume/Up Down, and Favorite Channel buttons

Testing

In our home, all audio and video goes into our receiver and then to the TV. This means we have to use our universal remote to turn everything on and select the proper input on the receiver. This is something the weemote can’t do, and honestly wasn’t designed to do. Because of this, my wife or I will turn on the TV, set the volume, and then let our daughter control the channels using the weemote. So, our weemote was programmed as follows:

• Power – Disabled
• Volume – Disabled*
• Channel Up/Down – Favorites Only
• Fav. Buttons 1-5 were each programmed with a kid-friendly channel

*I did use the learning feature to have the weemote control the receiver’s volume, but I disabled this feature before handing the remote over to my daughter. This proved wise as she is a big fan of the volume button. With it disabled, I don’t have to worry about her damaging her hearing (or the speakers).

Changing channels was just as fast as entering the numbers on the original remote. I flipped between the channels a bit and then handed the remote to our daughter. She quickly mashed the buttons and managed to change the channel several times before stopping on a show she recognized (and giving the weemote the previously mentioned “lick” test). Ok, not the most scientific of tests, but the weemote did what it was supposed to do. And she did find one issue: Like all infrared remotes, the weemote must be pointed at the TV or set-top box to control it. This may seem obvious, but when sending a series of commands (e.g. 2-1-8 for channel 218) with a single button press, the weemote must be aimed correctly until the last signal is received, not just until the button is released. This means that it’s possible for partial commands to be received, for example “2-1″ instead of “2-1-8.” This isn’t a flaw with the weemote, and is something that also affects our much more expensive universal remote. It didn’t happen too often though, and should be less of an issue with a bit of practice

Conclusion

The weemote delivers on the company’s promise to make “TV safer for your kids.” But if this was all it did, I wouldn’t recommend it. Most set-top boxes accomplish the same thing by allowing you to set access codes for specific channels and/or program ratings. The weemote is not a substitute for these features. In fact, your children can always bypass the weemote’s pre-defined channels by using the buttons on your set-top box or TV to change channels. Enabling your set-top box’s access controls will prevent your children from viewing channels and programs you consider inappropriate, no matter which remote you use.

I also wouldn’t recommend the weemote if all it did was eliminate the remote clutter in your living room. Cable and satellite service generally includes a remote that does this quite well. Local stores also carry a wide range of aftermarket universal remotes that do the same thing.

What sets the weemote apart from the other solutions is that it makes TV safer by not only limiting the channels, but also by greatly simplifying the remote itself. This means that not only can your kids not get to unapproved channels using the weemote, but they also can’t accidentally purchase a pay-per-view title or change your TV’s setup menus to a foreign language (am I the only one who has had this happen?). Add a durable, kid-friendly design to the package and the weemote is definitely a winner.

My favorite kinds of products are those that are simple and useful. OnTray is just that. This simple little tray snaps onto the handle of shopping carts and can hold snacks for your child, coupons, a calculator, or whatever. The removable lid even stores on the bottom of OnTray.

I’ll admit at first I didn’t think this simple plastic container would be that useful. But then I gave it a try when my daughter and I went shopping. But after snapping it into place on the cart handle, I realized how great this product was really going to be. I don’t know how many times I’ve been trying to move quickly through the shopping aisles while trying to fish crackers out of a crumpled bag for my daughter. With this secure tray, both she and I are happier. This is brilliant! And at $6.99 (or $11.99 for two), it’s a steal. I would definitely recommend it!

OnTray

I do my part when I fly. I show up at least an hour early – even earlier when I fly with my child. I pack carefully so that any TSA agent who decides to search my bag won’t have too much trouble getting though it quickly. I filter out all my liquids in my purse and my child’s diaper bag and make sure it all fits into my quart size bag (even though I am allowed more when I fly with my daughter). I can walk through most security check points without setting off an alarm, as I’m meticulous about what I wear and what is in my pockets. I even go so far as to make sure I wear easy off and on shoes so I don’t hold up the line. I never bring on more than my one carry on bag and one personal item (and that includes the diaper bag). And, as in the case of my last holiday trip, I pay for this privilege – A LOT!

However, even though I held up my end of the bargain this last holiday travel season, I was greeted at my destination with no luggage. Still, I tried hard to keep it together. So I would have to buy some soap and new underwear, eventually, I thought, I would get my things back. But then I realized – one of the pieces missing was my child’s car seat.

Parents, I’m writing this as a warning. This is how United Airlines dealt with me. Scratch that: this is how United Airlines treated my child. When I asked them to provide me with a loaner, they said they had none. They did check with another airline (Northwest) and they did not have a suitable option either. This is basically the conversation that followed:

Me: It is illegal for me to drive away from this airport with my child without putting her in a car seat. What do you expect me to do?

United Agent: I’m sorry, I understand, but there is nothing more I can do for you

Me: Can’t you coordinate something with one of the rental car agencies? Surely they have car seats you could borrow?

United Agent: Ma’am, you are welcome to check with them but I do not have the authority to do that.

Me: Will United pay for any costs that I incur?

United Agent: You can call this number and ask them, but I have no idea.

Me: (Stunned look).

Still stunned by United’s inability to manage an issue that they created I trudged over to one of the rental car counters and asked if they had a car seat I could rent. The kid at the counter said yes but could only give me one if I rented a car (which I did not need). After much begging and pleading he went against his company policy and gave me a car seat for no charge. I only had to promise to bring it back the next day before his boss came to work so that he wouldn’t get in trouble. I happily agreed and did return the car seat before his boss found out.

A few points to note:

First, I know it’s appalling to some not to put your child in a car seat on a plane. And honestly, this incident has forced me to think about that a bit more. I assumed since airlines often cite safety as a reason it enforces so many rules that they know what they are talking about when they say it’s optional. It’s tricky when the seats are all different sizes and availability is scattered. Still, I’m rethinking our previous approach to flying as a family.

Second, we had a plane change in Chicago – which is a busy airport – granted! However, my husband’s bag made it, which proved to me that while it was possible for them to transfer our luggage, they simply did not. Third, it took United two full days to give us back our car seat and the rest of our luggage. My husband and I had many conversations with United’s baggage loss department and one agent said to me many times that it was always at the baggage handler’s discretion on whether or not our luggage would be put on the next flight. Weren’t these the same people who didn’t do the job right the first time? The fact that they were holding our car seat made no difference to them.

It’s appalling to me that United had no solution for us when, in my opinion, there are several procedures they could put into place to deal with these issues. One would be to implement better luggage transfer processes (Weren’t they supposed to do that as part of this homeland security thing anyway?). Next they could have loaner car seats available at airports – maybe a stash that all the airlines could use? Or they could contract with the rental car agencies to borrow car seats from them when needed. Certainly airlines should be able to coordinate something with them directly instead of forcing their passengers to go begging. If that was in place, this poor car rental agent wouldn’t have had to put his line on the job to make up for United’s mishap. Finally, I have to say if airlines can’t handle this task, they should require infants and children who fly with them to purchase a seat and to be in an approved car seat.

This incident was a huge eye opening incident for me. At the end of it all, I’m not just re-evaluating the airlines luggage policies, but also their overall disregard for their young travelers. Safety does not seem to be of any concern for them. And while I used to trust that they must know what they are talking about when they say children can sit on laps (if they are under 2) and that if they have a seat, a car seat is optional, I can no longer take them at their word. For my part, I won’t check our car seat again. At worst, I will gate check it. They just can’t be trusted with something so important.

As a frequent traveler, I can accept lost luggage as I have come to accept all of the other annoyances that are part of flying. Like all of those things, I figure out how to compensate. But when I trusted them with something that is a legal safety requirement for my child I had expected them to respect it. I did my part, why can’t they do theirs?

Want to help the world’s hungry while improving your vocabulary? Head on over to www.freerice.com and start clicking! This site operates on a simple premise: you choose the correct definition for the word on the screen and they donate 20 grains of rice to those in need. That’s it! You don’t have to sign up for anything or share any personal information. Just start clicking and watch the rice totals add up.

The site is funded by the advertisers whose banners appear on each page, you don’t have to do. Now 20 grains of rice may not sound like a lot, but it quickly adds up. So the more you play, the more you donate (and learn).

Each correct answer also increases the difficulty of the words you’re given and there are plenty of levels so players of all ages should find it challenging Level 1 words included “ocean,” “say,” and “last” while Level 40 features “alveolate,” “lunker,” and “drub.”

So what do you have to lose? Head on over and start clicking. And don’t forget to share your totals in the comments.

(Thanks to everyone who shared this!)

These days traveling by air seems more like a flying the frustrating skies rather than the friendly variety. Security and delays along with air carrier-centric policies make it very difficult for anyone to feel like you have any control over your life. Now add to that situation a toddler and you have multiplied that lack of control by at least 10 fold.

Since my daughter was born we have taken several airplane trips. In fact, this Christmas season will be her seventh. Since she’s under two, and since airfares are outrageous when you fly into the Midwest, we are once again going to take advantage of the “lap policy” (where any child under two can ride on the lap of a full fair adult for free). So when my husband pointed out an article on Kiplingers.com titled Traveling with Tots: A survival guide, I was all over it.

This author gives good advice. Whether you have traveled with a child before or if this is your first time, I encourage you to read this article. Some tips I thought were notable:

• Know the Rules!
  This is especially true for flyers. I personally believe that given the liquid guidelines, travelers with children are scrutinized even more heavily. I don’t know how many bottles of hand sanitizer I have lost because I didn’t put them in the quart size bag. The fact is, the rules are the rules and they change – frequently – so do yourself and your child a favor and know what you’re getting into before you head to the airport.
• Come prepared… for anything.
  This is very true. I try so hard to pack carefully and conservatively when I travel, but when my daughter is with me I must be ready for any possibly scenario. One of the best suggestions I got (and included here) was lollipops! They are brilliant – especially on a plane. My daughter is just now old enough to handle them (with my supervision) and I appreciate how they make us all happy.
• Research, research, research.
  For example, know where the play areas are in the airports that you’re traveling through. These are fabulous! Manchester airport has one by the United gates. It’s great to work off a little energy before getting on the plane. But make sure to watch your kids. I had an experience with my daughter when an older more aggressive child took over the toys that my smaller and less aggressive daughter was trying to play with. The person supervising the child didn’t seam to notice or mind. So I had to remove my daughter. Bummer!

Other tips I would offer:

• Pay no mind to the dirty looks.
  People can be so rude – especially on planes. I know I can be crabby too after all the hassle I’ve been put through just to get myself into a tiny seat that may or may not get me to my destination as scheduled. But if your child acts up and/or starts to cry and people start to give you a dirty look, or if they snap at you because your kid is kicking their seat… take a deep breath and remember that before you had kids you too thought that a child on a plane was completely controllable and that a parent with any skill could stop bad behavior if they only wanted to badly enough. You know better now. So take pity on this clueless person with the dirty looks and trust that Karma will catch up with them one day.
• Buy a cheap stroller to gate check.
  I have a friend who has lost 3 strollers to rushed baggage handlers. Imagine arriving at your transfer airport (like O’Hare) expecting to be able to plop your child and a few carry-ons into your stroller so that you can more easily and more safely run from one end of the airport to the other, only to find that the wheels on your stroller have been snapped off. Such an event is tragic for many reasons, but now imagine that the stroller cost you over $200. And there is no recourse! Remember that little tag you had to sign before the gate agent tagged your stroller for gate check? It says they are not responsible for any damage. We went to Target and bought an umbrella stroller for $15. Ironically it has never been damaged. But if it is, other than having to carry my child around the airport, I’m not at any great loss.
• If you check your car seat buy a bag for it.
  I bought an Eddie Bauer car seat bag for ours and it’s great for a couple of reasons. First, it protects the car seat. I know that is silly, given that it’s meant to go through a little wear and tear, but take a look at what your luggage goes though – busted zippers, rips, tears. I would hate for my daughters car seat to arrive with a broken harness, or buckle. Second, you are allowed to check a car seat for free – even if the child is on your lap – and it doesn’t count as part of your 2 pieces of luggage (which can’t be over 50 lbs!). So you can put the car seat in the bag and then you’ve got loads of room for extra stuff (remember the tip on being prepared for anything – this means you’ll have lots of stuff!). You can fill the extra space with sweaters, diapers, blankets, or anything that isn’t too fragile. It’s great!

So if your family, like mine, is taking to the skies this holiday season, I send you off with these good thoughts. I wish you short security lines, helpful TSA agents, looks that say “what a cute child” rather than “oh gosh, please don’t sit next to me!”, play areas close to your gate, naps that commence with take off and end at touch down, an open seat in your row, and most of all, a safe arrival of you and your little ones at your destination.

Happy Holiday Traveling!

PlayStation 3. XBox 360. Nintendo Wii.

There’s no doubt that video games are big business and it’s not always easy to tell which ones are appropriate for your children. And with the wide range of games available, not to mention the amount of advertising dollars being spent to promote them, it’s a safe bet that you know at least one child who will be asking for a game this holiday season.

I’ve written about video games ratings and review sites in the past. The best way to make educated decisions about video games is to read about them before you go into the store. But what if you don’t do that? Or what if you decide to buy a game at the last minute? In short: what do you do if you’re already in the store?

Video game store Game Crazy (a division of Hollywood Entertainment, along with Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery) has put together a Parents’ Guide to Game Buying (781K PDF). It doesn’t go into specific titles or try to answer every question. Instead, it encourages parents to talk with the store’s employees and ask questions before buying games. Whether you shop at Game Crazy or another store, this is something you should definitely do. If the game package doesn’t answer your questions, ask an employee.

The brochure also includes a handy summary of the ESRB rating system for video games, something every parent should have memorized or have access to when buying games. If you only read one page of the brochure, read that one. In fact, cut it out and keep a copy in your purse or wallet.

I’ve never shopped at a Game Crazy store (the nearest location is in Arlington, MA), but it looks like they’re taking steps to help parents make educated videogame purchases. Their “Try Before You Buy” program lets you see or play a game before you bring it into your house. As the brochure says, “You’re Parent Experts. We’re Game Experts.”

Have you had any experience with Game Crazy or similar stores?