Yes, homework and chores come first. But after those are checked off, is there an opportunity to bond with your kids building virtual empires and hunting for post-apocalyptic mutants? A case can be made.

Why does it matter? Positives range from bonding and familial competition, to simply spending time with your children doing something they like. And before you know it, your children will have grown up and the opportunity passed.

Should you beat them? Unlike other activities like playing catch, or checkers or chess, where you may start out with an advantage, the question of letting your children beat you at a video game they've chosen is probably already moot.