Video games often come with a bad reputation. Parents view them as a waste of time, judge them as overly violent, and some experts say children use them as an escape from reality. While there is some truth in these claims, it wouldn’t hurt to view this activity from another angle!

Video Games Can Be Beneficial

It’s no secret that the world of video games has expanded and become so popular that this activity has been declared a form of sport, with gaming tournaments around the world where the main prize exceeds $40 million. Engaging in this activity can help children develop and improve problem-solving skills, enhance hand-eye coordination, encourage quicker decision-making, and is also a good way for a child to learn the importance of teamwork. All these benefits apply if the usage is moderate, controlled, and safe.

Our team educates daily about the safe use of the internet and technology. Here are a few tips:

How to Achieve Balance if You’re a Parent Who Has Never Played Video Games and Is Unfamiliar With This World?

Be Interested

Ask your child how their favorite game works. What’s the point – is it collecting points, winning a war, scoring goals, or overtaking a Formula driver? Your child will feel important if they see you’re interested in something that matters to them. Use this opportunity to bond and familiarize yourself with their world. Refrain from judgmental comments – “this is silly!” or “killing is horrible!” In most cases, the game has nothing to do with reality, no matter how violent it may be. Remember, you probably played “war” as a child, and it didn’t mean you truly wanted such a thing outside of play.

Playing Location

The younger the child, the playing spot should be closer to you. Thus, ensure that until the age of twelve, the console or computer is in common areas, like the living room, where you can monitor how long the child is engaged in playing.

Buying “Items”

Many games require special equipment that will allow the player to win faster and easier, and secure a better position in the team. Expect your child to seek your support by asking you to pay for some items. Talk to your child, and if it’s very important to them, suggest that instead of a gift for a holiday or birthday, they receive that add-on in the game. Do not give your child the card regardless of how quick, harmless, or cheap the purchase is, as you could endanger yourself, your information, bank account, and child.

Set Rules

Explain to your child that just as games have rules, so does the use of technology need its set of rules and permissions. Agree with your child on what is allowed and what is not allowed on the internet. For example, sharing personal information, school names, or home addresses is forbidden. Also, no one should know our email or password.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Our team of experts works daily on this topic, and all other matters concerning children, their daily lives, upbringing, learning, leisure time, and safety. Join us, learn with us, share knowledge and ideas with others who have more experience, and ask anything if you have doubts. We are here for you. More at: https://clanarina.cnzd.rs/?share=true

Timea Kukla