The holiday shopping crunch has arrived, as parents and grandparents scurry to find those items on youngsters’ holiday wish lists. Chances are there are some popular computer and video game titles right at the top of those lists.

But here’s news that may surprise many. It turns out playing certain video and computer games may actually help a child succeed in school and even in future jobs. Child development experts at the University of Oklahoma say the key is to select the right games.

“There are many video games out there that really build and prepare children for school if they’re very young; enhance skills if they’re already in school; and really help their thinking,” explained Dr. Robin Gurwitch of OU Children’s Physicians Child Study Center. She added it is important to first consider purpose when deciding which game to buy.

For pre-schoolers, she said focus on games that enforce counting, colors, language and letters – all in the context of fun.

For children of school age, the goal is to find games that build problem-solving, planning and analytical thinking skills.

Research conducted by the education advisory group, Teachers Evaluating Educational Multimedia (TEEM), found that games in which children are in charge of constructing a world and then controlling the forces that affect the characters in that simulated world can help stimulate strategic building and planning skills. Likewise, certain adventure games can sharpen problem-solving skills.

“Think about planning,” Gurwitch suggested. “To win the game do I have to get from point A to point B and plan how I get there? Think about if I meet different characters in the game what kind of information do I need? How do I incorporate all this information? What kinds of memory skills are involved?”

She also pointed out it is important to consider how much violence is in the game.

“I think there are legitimate concerns about very violent games with children of all ages,” Gurwitch said. “ There is research that says that if you’re involved with very violent video games that you’re also more likely to engage in aggressive types of behavior.”

Gurwitch pointed out the ratings system for video and computer games can also help parents determine if a game is age-appropriate for their child. However, she added that one of the best ways for parents to determine if the game on their child’s wish list is one they would want in their home is to try before you buy. Spend a couple of dollars. Rent the game and check it out first hand.

“So parents can take a proactive approach rather than after the fact saying, ‘oh my gosh, I didn’t know he was playing or she was playing this type of game,” Gurwitch said, adding that by doing a little homework, parents can help ensure they will buy a game that both they and their child will love.