"Why don't you go outside and stop playing those stupid video games?"
How many kids have heard that from an angry mom or dad since the invention of the Xbox, PlayStation or the Nintendo Wii and even long before?
But maybe parents shouldn't be discouraging their offspring from being 'all thumbs' on their joysticks and controllers.
It could one day help them to become a great surgeon.
Researchers are continually discovering the dexterity and hand-eye coordination that some talented kids get through playing video games is aiding their abilities in later life to perform intricate procedures like laparoscopic surgery.
Doctors are especially impressed by the skills that come with the Wii, and while other surgeons-in-training who aren't avid gamers eventually learn the skills, their professors say they can spot the difference.
"The single best predictor of their skills is how much they had played video games in the past and how much they played now. Those were better predictors of surgical skills than years of training and number of surgeries performed," Iowa State University psychologist Douglas Gentile explained.
"So the first question you might ask your surgeon is how many of these (surgeries) have you done and the second question is 'Are you a gamer?"'
"We can always tell the surgeons who are gamers, because they're naturally better," admits Dr. Mark Smith of the Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. "But what we're finding with the Wii is that the surgeons that use it regularly are achieving results that far outstrip those who have just gamed before."
The Wii's unique remote, which responds to hand gestures, is especially useful.
"The whole point about surgery is to execute small, finely controlled movements with your hands," explains bioinformatics expert Dr. Kanav Kahol. "Then we saw people using the Wii and noticed the precision of some movements looked very similar."
But it's not just surgery. It turns out there are a lot of good reasons to let your kids be on top of their 'game.'
"When individuals play modern video and computer games, they experience environments in which they often must master the kinds of higher-order thinking and decision-making skills employers seek today," suggests Dr. James Rosser, a pioneer in the field of Endo-Laparoscopic Surgery.
In his new book, "Playin' To Win," Dr. Rosser outlines the value of the video.
"Educational games that incorporate simulations provide a way to bridge the gap between abstract concepts or theoretical knowledge and practical skills, an important way to translate what is learned in training to application in the workplace."
Even better, the so-called games can keep moms and dads sharp as they approach old age.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin looked at people who play the immensely popular
World of Warcraft. The research found the game encouraged scientific thinking, like using systems and models for understanding situations and using math and testing to investigate problems.
The vast majority of the discussion participants, 86 per cent, shared knowledge to solve problems and more than half, 58 per cent, used systematic and evaluative processes, researchers found.
CityNews Medical Specialist Dr. Karl Kabasele picked up his sticks to put these theories to the test. To see what he found out, click on the video link.
What is World of Warcraft?
Another good one for those looking to retain memory is
Brain Age.
Find out more here.