By Kathryn Peck
It’s inevitable, isn’t it? I knew this day would come. I am a hands-on parent who takes great pride in DIY art activities and open-ended, educational toys. I’m all-in on STEM learning and activities that inspire, motivate, and teach. But my oldest just turned 10, and he’s caught the video-game bug.
I’m all-in on STEM learning and activities that inspire, motivate, and teach. But my oldest just turned 10, and he’s caught the video-game bug.
Before kids, I actually played my fair share of video games. Who remembers “Gateway to Apshai” and “Impossible Mission” for the Commodore 64? OK, I’m dating myself. Then there were the years of continuous play with games like “Super Mario Bros.,” “Duckhunt” and “Rampage” on the Original Nintendo NES. In college, I spent many (many) hours playing games like “Resident Evil” and “Tekken.” After collage, I continued to game with my brother who was living overseas and other friends. So why did I find myself dragging my feet about bringing video games into our home? Was it a fear of too-much screen time or the addictive nature of some games? Was I worried about somehow promoting poor or even violet behavior?
Wait a minute … I played video games, and I’m not violent. In fact, I’m often told as I’m cutting my kids’ pizzas into tiny bite-sized pieces without any tomato bits in site, drying off grapes that are cut into fourths because my children don’t like them wet, and singing four kids to sleep every night, that I’m the most calm and patient person on the planet.
That can’t be it.
After doing some research, I was reaffirmed that there are ways to enter this new phase of digital childhood pastimes conscientiously, and that there are, in fact, benefits to video games.
After doing some research, I was reaffirmed that there are ways to enter this new phase of digital childhood pastimes conscientiously, and that there are, in fact, benefits to video games.
Video games have the ability to teach creative thinking and problem-solving skills. And, players often learn from their mistakes. In Minecraft for instance, the ever-popular open-world sandbox game, kids’ test their spatial-reasoning skills and understanding of planning, so much so that Eric Klopfer, professor and director of MIT’s Scheller Teacher Education Program, once referred to this game as “a digital version of Lego.”
Many people think of video gaming as a reclusive activity. And it can be; or, it cannot be. Video games may actually help young audiences with social connections. At school and around the neighborhood, many of my son’s friends talk about the video games they play. Allowing my son to play now gets him involved in their dialogue. It’s not all bad; games can be a place for children to find others to connect with in positive way.
We bought our son a Nintendo Switch and a few games like Minecraft and Super Smash Bros. to start. He plays online with a just few friends that we know very well, but that’s it. For now, we’re encouraging moderation and boundaries in our son’s gaming. We will pay attention and watch for trouble, but at his age, we also want to give him the freedom to make — and learn from — his own triumphs and mistakes.
Tips
- Consider playing video games a bonding activity. Take the time to play with your child, which will allow you to spend time with and talk with your child.
- As a rule, video game playing should only be allowed in public areas of the home - not in the child’s bedroom.
- Encourage your child’s involvement in a variety of other activities, especially physical activities.
- If you’re unfamiliar with video games, do your research ahead of time, read reviews, and check ESRB ratings, which assign age and content ratings guidance.
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About the author: Kathryn is the owner of Bicycle Pie and mom of 4 little ones. Also a writer, editor, and former owner of one of Boston's premiere baby boutiques, she continues to write about motherhood, children's products, family life, and all other things that test our skills and patience as parents.
Photo credit: iStock.com/blackCAT
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