A new feature on MSNBC details the lives of several parents who—in an uncharacteristic display of common sense—actually play games with their children.

A recent poll of parents with gaming children conducted by AOL and the Associated Press show only four in ten play games with their kids. Those featured in the article see games as a worthwhile means of bonding with and educating their children.

"Being a single mother to a son can offer many gaps," says Tammy McCoy, a single mother who games with her 17-year-old son. "Gaming became a way to bridge the gaps—which is what helped to make our bond even stronger."

One parent notes that even prohibiting violent games can lead to a positive outcome. Brian Albright turned a denial of his son's hopes to play Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC, PS3, X360) into a discussion of the realities of war and the politics and policies surrounding it.

"I think that what he's doing is basically the essence of parenting, which is to say, find a way to have teachable moments. You could have the same sorts of discussions about music lyrics, and you could have the same sorts of discussions about Jamie-Lynn Spears, or drinking on Friday Night Lights," said pediatrician Don Shifrin.