As parents, we often search for ways to strengthen our bond with our kids, help them understand their world, and have fun together, stressing the benefits of family gaming time. Video games are sometimes seen as a barrier rather than a bridge, but recent studies show that playing games together can be a powerful way to connect with our children. Here’s why spending time on the controller beside your kids might just be the next best parenting strategy.
Why Gaming with Your Kids Is Worth Your Time
Video games have become a staple in today’s households, captivating the attention of children and teens alike. Instead of viewing this as a point of contention, it’s worth seeing video games as a shared experience. Gaming together allows you to engage with your child in their chosen pastime and strengthens family bonds.
You gain insight into their interests and experiences when you play alongside your kids. This shared activity can open doors to conversations that may not arise otherwise. Video games are not just mindless entertainment—they’re complex, often narratively rich worlds where kids explore, make decisions, and interact with others. By engaging in this with them, you gain insight into their ways of thinking, and, in turn, they learn that you are interested in what matters to them.
Moreover, it provides a fantastic way to instil values and lessons in a fun and engaging setting. Just as you’d cheer them on in a soccer game, cheering them on in a game of Mario Kart can be equally meaningful. Studies suggest that kids who play games with their parents exhibit higher levels of empathy and prosocial behaviours, which can have lasting benefits beyond the screen.
The Psychological Benefits of Intergenerational Gaming
Video games often have challenges that require problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking. When you play with your children, you’re not only modelling these behaviours but also directly engaging in them with them. This can help children see challenges as opportunities for growth, a perspective that is beneficial throughout life.
Research from the Journal of Adolescent Health found that girls who played games with their parents exhibited lower levels of anxiety and aggression. Games that require teamwork can foster communication skills and teach valuable lessons about collaboration. Your involvement in gaming can provide emotional support, turning potentially frustrating moments into opportunities for growth.
By being an active participant, you can also gauge the types of challenges your child faces. If a game frustrates your child, you can help them navigate those emotions, which builds their resilience and helps them manage stress. You become an ally who understands the digital landscape they navigate daily.
How Gaming Can Strengthen Family Bonds
Many of us think of trips, board games, or movie nights when it comes to family activities. Due to their interactive nature, video games can offer the same bonding experiences, sometimes even more intensely. With cooperative games, you watch and actively participate in the action together.
Playing games together is not just about the game itself, but the shared experiences and memories it creates. Whether battling aliens or completing a puzzle, the time spent strategizing and celebrating victories is time spent together. This cooperative dynamic allows families to achieve a sense of teamwork, which is invaluable in everyday life.
Furthermore, video games allow parents to be both participants and cheerleaders. Seeing your child excel at a game provides a unique opportunity for pride and encouragement. Inversely, letting your child see you struggle with a level or ask for help humanizes you and shows them that learning is a lifelong process.
Teaching Moments Through Family Gaming
The interactive nature of video games allows parents to seamlessly insert teaching moments. Games with moral decisions or problem-solving components can effectively discuss real-life scenarios and values. For example, games that involve teamwork can help teach cooperation, while games with ethical dilemmas provide a platform for discussing right and wrong.
Imagine a scenario where you and your child must decide whether to help another character at a personal cost in a game. This can lead to an insightful discussion about empathy and sacrifice. Through these discussions, you’re helping to develop your child’s moral compass in a way that feels natural and unforced.
Additionally, video games can become a tool to help children process emotions. Many games have characters that face obstacles that may be scary, frustrating, or overwhelming. Talking about these experiences can help your child draw parallels to their own life, making it easier for them to articulate and handle their own emotions.
Games as Conversation Starters
It’s no secret that getting more than a one-word answer can be a challenge for parents of teens or tweens. Video games can serve as an excellent entry point for more meaningful conversations. By showing interest in their gaming world, you signal that you care about what’s important to them. Especially if you have a son or a daughter, then talking about gender and gaming can be important.
Video games can also reverse the roles, allowing your child to take on a “teacher” role and explain the intricacies of a game to you. This role reversal builds confidence in your child and gives you a chance to learn from them. It provides an opportunity for them to communicate on a passionate topic, which can lead to more open lines of communication outside of gaming.
Moreover, when you’re familiar with their gaming experiences, it’s easier to talk about related topics, such as online safety, friendships, and navigating challenges in the virtual world.
Choosing the Right Games for Intergenerational Play
Not all video games are created equally in terms of suitability for family play. However, there are plenty of options designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages. Games like Mario Kart, Minecraft, and It Takes Two are fantastic for family play as they offer cooperative and competitive elements. Choosing the right games can make the gaming experience more enjoyable and beneficial for the whole family.
For parents looking to ease into gaming, it’s worth exploring games with intuitive controls and straightforward objectives. Super Mario Odyssey, for example, is an excellent game for families because it offers a wide range of activities that can appeal to both beginners and more experienced players. Games like Minecraft allow for open-ended creativity, which can be particularly engaging for children with big imaginations.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider your child’s preferences. If they’re more into puzzle games, finding a game that aligns with their interests will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Making Time for Family Gaming
One of the biggest challenges for many parents is finding time to engage in these activities. Playing a game can seem like a luxury between work, school, and other obligations. However, integrating gaming into your routine doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start with short gaming sessions. Even 30 minutes can provide an excellent opportunity to connect and unwind. Treat gaming time as family time. Set aside one or two evenings a week to play together. Consistency is key. By regularly setting aside time to play, you’re signalling that this is an important activity.
Family Gaming In Conclusion
When approached with an open mind, video games can be an enriching experience for families. They allow parents to understand their children’s world, model positive behaviours, and create lasting memories. With so many benefits, it’s worth giving gaming a chance to become a meaningful part of your family’s routine.
Ultimately, the most important takeaway is that you’re spending quality time with your child, whether you're battling through fantasy worlds or building castles together. By actively participating in their interests, you’re showing that you value them and are willing to meet them where they are. So pick up that controller and start playing—it might just be one of the best things you do as a parent.