Here’s the problem:
Here’s something to try if you’re a parent. Next time you’re at a social gathering, try mentioning that you just bought your son or daughter a video game system. Any takers? For many, admitting to other parents that you let your child play video games is akin to confessing a petty crime; it certainly isn’t up there with dropping your son off at the baseball field for ball practice. Especially when popular media is your primary source of information about video games, it’s easy to think that they’re really something to be avoided. Is it really a good idea to let your child play those things? About.com is here with some things you can do to make those games a positive, healthy experience for your child; you don’t have to feel bad next time someone asks you, “You let your kid play games?”
Why let kids play?
Well, for starters, they’re probably going to want to anyway. Games are mainstream now. Is it surprising that most kids in the U.S. would rather play video games than watch TV? And why stand in their way? Surveys taken by the Entertainment Software Association, which studies the industry, indicate that games are a social activity, much like joining a sports team. People tend to play with friends and family more often than they play by themselves, contrary to the stereotype of the anti-social gamer that stays in their room all day. There are real benefits to playing games, including being a tool for you and your child to grow closer; you’re missing the boat if you and your kid haven’t sat down together for a good game session or two.
Things you can do to make gaming healthy:
- Don’t buy a game system without buying extra controllers:
When we say that games are a social event, we mean it. Having extra controllers allows your child to invite friends over to play at the end of the day, and also let’s you share the experience with your child the next time the two of you sit down to play together. Most of the game systems in the current generation of consoles have the ability to plug in at least four controllers at once (with the exception of the PS2). Having extra controllers is a prerequisite for social gaming.
- Keep the system in the open:
If you don’t want your child disappearing into their room after supper every night, put the game system in a social location, like the family living room. Not only will that let your child play without being sequestered in their room, it makes it easier for either you, or any other siblings that might be around, to join in on the game. Besides, it’s a good feeling to know your son or daughter is in the other room having fun with their friends. It helps you to know what’s going on.
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