Angry birds, I've been crazy about it for a long time. Other games like Cut the Rope, Mega Jump, Tiny Wings, Fruit Ninjia, Texas Poker, etc.
Darn game dev story. Got back into it to try to get all the achievements. I should just leave my ipod plugged into the wall now
SplitApple SplitApple is a brilliant archery game!!! Always trying to get the best score on the gamecenter but that's though!
My last three most played games were/are Bug Heroes (current fave - probably more time put into this game in the last month than any other game), Mach Defense, Uber Racer. Other worthy contenders: Robokill and Heavy Mach 1&2, Space Miner.
Space Miner is pretty addictive. There's something about blowing up asteroids I find highly therapeutic. Foodies is another game I've been playing a lot of lately, making certain I hold #1 on game centre.
As you've just mentioned, the job, the kids, the school system and the mundane realities of everyday existence make us look for excitment in ther places. Nowadays, we just feel more depressed and we want to have a relax. It's understandable to play this kinda game to satisfy ourselves. We can't deny that playing games sometimes can help them to be more creative. What we shoud do now is to correctly guide them and spike their interest in certain field in a more positive way. Be optimistc.