How frustrating it is to be a parent in the '90s.
From the time our children are toddlers, we're told we must teach them to evade criminals, predators, drugs and AIDS. They need the right schools, sports and play groups. And, of course, they must be computer whizzes so they can get great jobs and support their parents when Social Security goes bankrupt.
So there we are, standing in the computer megastore looking at those glitzy CD-ROM boxes, wondering which $50 game will hold Junior's attention longer than five minutes - and surreptitiously teach him the fundamentals of reading, writing and differential calculus.
OK, I'm being a bit expansive. But many parents know the frustration of buying and installing a pricey CD only to find it boring or unsuitable for the kids. Or finding it won't work on your home computer. Or even worse, having it destroy your computer's video or audio settings.
Computer stores, which must cater to the consumer's demand for low prices, are of little help. Some stores will load a couple of popular games into demo PCs, but the majority of games are purchased unseen.
But there is some help on the Internet.
Newsweek, which publishes special editions about computing, has an excellent Web site that rates more than 600 titles. The Parent's Guide to Children's Software (http://www.newsweekparentsguide.com) allows you to view ratings by category, age or search for specific titles.
Titles are graded from F to A; exceptional CDs get an ''Editor's Choice'' rating. You can read a full review and see screen shots for most titles.
The CNET megasite also offers reviews at CD-ROM Central (http://www.cnet/com/Content/Reviews/Cdcentral/). More than 450 titles are rated, in a more general ''buy it,'' ''try it'' or ''skip it'' rating system.
Both sites are heavy on graphics (the Newsweek site even includes audio and video), so some might find it slow going. But the information is worth the wait.
Children's Software Revue, a newsletter for teachers and librarians, has a small site with a list of titles it recommends (http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Revue/revue.html).
If you can't surf the Web, here are a few general recommendations (all are available for both Macs and PCs):
Anything from Humongous Entertainment
These adventure games for young children ($20-$40), starring Fatty Bear, Putt-Putt, Freddi Fish and Pajama Sam, have won accolades in all major computer magazines. The newest title, ''No Need to Hide When Its Dark Outside'' is the best so far. I enjoyed playing it as much as my kids. Early games, such as Putt-Putt Joins the Parade or Fatty Bear's Birthday Surprise, will run on older DOS machines.
Classic titles from Houghton Mifflin
One might question the worth of putting books on CD-ROM, but hearing Garrison Keillor read The Polar Express (with dreamy George Winston-esque music) is worth $20. Or hear Madeline Kahn read Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (also $20), or let the kids play with Curious George in the Curious George Young Readers Series. While not the best titles available, they're still fun for kids and nostalgic for parents.
Living Books from Broderbund
There are now 16 books in this CD-ROM series, all excellent. The ''books'' coach young readers by highlighting words, and each ''page'' has many hot spots - clever animations that respond to a mouse click. Broderbund also publishes the popular Carmen Sandiego series, any of which is great for kids.
DK Multimedia
Book publisher Dorling Kindersley has CD versions of its more popular titles, such as David Macaulay's The Way Things Work, the AMA Family Medical Guide, The Ultimate Human Body and the Eyewitness series. The software expands on the highly graphical books, offering audio, video and interactive games. The CDs are more informational than entertaining, and are designed for older kids and adults.
A final general recommendation: Lots of CD-ROM titles capitalize on popular cartoons, but while a few are excellent, many are mediocre. Before buying a CD with your kid's favorite characters, check the ratings from Newsweek or CNET.
E-mail Charles Brewer with questions, comments and suggestions at cbrewer@enquirer.com