If they won't play, I would make a guess that you are getting an error message....WHAT DID IT SAY???? Do you have a DVD drive in the computer? If it's a CD drive and not a DVD drive, then a DVD won't play. Are you trying to use Windows Media Player? Are you current with all Windows Updates?

I love Shockwave and I really love their jigsaws. They have many kinds of games there, some are pay to play, which I don't do either, but find lots to do for free.

No freakin' way should a kid be on the computer that much! And no, an hour a day outdoors is not unreasonable. You're being a good parent. DH is being a lazy parent. My SS is 10. DH used to let him go on the computer when he woke up in the morning (so he'd haul himself out of bed before dawn of course) and be on it ALL DAY LONG. It was a convenient babysitter so DH didn't have to DO anything with him. I said no dice to that. SS was miserable to be around when he was on the computer that much (for example, he'd cry and scream when told to get off the computer and come have lunch) and no kid needs that much video game input. Now, on a school night, he gets a max of 90 minutes of video games. Usually only 1 hour, but sometimes a little more is OK. Many nights he doesn't go on at all now, and doesn't even complain about it anymore! On weekends, he is not allowed on computer or video games until 10am, he is dressed, with teeth brushed, breakfast eaten and bed made. And a max of three hours per day (except if he has a friend over or something unusual like that). He's much more pleasant to be around now!! We also boot him off the computer at least 10 minutes before a meal etc. He's less glazed if he has a few unplugged minutes. We're in Saskatchewan, so it's cold here in the winter and he can't play outside. But he can play Lego, or bedroom hockey, or read books, or colour, or play a game with us. In the summer I kick him outdoors all the time! DH was open to my "no dice" and likes that we can work together. SS was somewhat resistant of course - but has adjusted now.

Lily, I would play with you too! Maybe you can find a source of games in your community. A venue in my area has Game Night once a month, attended by people of all ages. Some of the games look rather intense and seem to require a lot of thought (Pandemic is one), but I've played lighter games there with a friend. If you're close to my age you could probably find games at a local senior center. You could also poll your friends to see if there's any interest. Who knows--some may be silently yearning for a fun game. Fran, I was thinking about bridge recently. I haven't played since the 1960's, but I'd be willing to read up on it and see if I could join a group. However, I remember my husband was not thrilled with my bridge playing. He was a serious duplicate bridge player, and I like to chat while I play. Chances are the local groups would feel the same way my husband did about my playing style. LOL Foggy, I looked up Telestrations, and it sounds like great fun. But I wonder if the two artists in my group would spoil some of the fun. They are very good. Playing Cranium on my team recently, one of them had to draw a saddle with her eyes closed. It was perfect. Socks, thanks for the tip about Hoot Owl Hoot and Peaceable games!