Playing video games with children of all ages is a win-win. Although there have been calls for less screen time and gaming, studies across the board have demonstrated that there are many benefits to allowing children to play video games. Yet, after delving further into the gaming industry, researchers are discovering that there are expanded benefits to gaming that include parental involvement. So, parents, get ready, pick up that control. It is time to play video games with your kids and here is why!
Games are a great way to bond with your kids.
Gaming together can be a great way for family bonding time. Parents can learn from their children, listen to their thoughts, share some of their own insight, be their child’s cheering section, create lasting memories, etc. ect.
“I love video games,” said Adam Buchweitz, game creator and lead developer at LAN Party Technologies, said in a recent interview with PBS.org. “The experience — I don’t know that I’ll ever forget it. I don’t know that [she] will ever forget it, and she’s only five!”
However, Buchweitz encourages other parents to be thoughtful and intentional when gaming with their children. “It’s not free babysitting,” he said. “If you engage with them, you can be the voice of reason.”
Games have educational benefits.
Video games promote a plethora of benefits: memory development and focus, problem-solving skills, team building, among others. The educational benefits of gaming expand well beyond childhood and the actual game itself.
“There are so many types of games in the PBS KIDS Games app,” said Jenkins. “We think building on a child’s interest is a great entry point to finding content that they’re going to love. If they are interested more in creating and building, there’s something for you to do. If they’re interested in creative and pretend play, there’s something there for you.”
Ensuring game safety.
We are aware of the numerous online risks that children face. When parents play games with their kids, it reduces the likelihood of children encountering dangerous situations.
Games often include chat areas and messaging apps where individuals may not always have good intentions. By actively participating in gaming alongside their children, parents provide an added layer of protection and keep them safe from potential harm.
Parents are on-hand to set playtime limits.
When parents are gaming with their children, it is easy to set playtime limits. After an hour or so of gaming, if a parent thinks that that is enough screen time, it will be easier for them to say, “let’s rematch tomorrow because…” instead of having to pry the controller out off their child’s hands.
Children will be more responsive to this strategy than not. Plus, it gives them a rematch to look forward to!
“It’s so much better than going to the movies as you not only talk but you work together to solve problems, compete against each other and laugh and scream all while doing it,” Jayson Hilchie, CEO and president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) told Today’s Parent in an interview. He continued, “We grew up with video games, and they were an important part of our childhood. So when our kids become interested, we see it as a fun opportunity to share something together.”
So, parents, get ready, pick up that control. It is time to play video games with your kids!
