Video games have a bad rap. We read about how they are rotting our brains and isolating our youth. That may be the case for some but we have found that playing video games is a great way to get to know one another and spend quality time together.
I’ll be honest. I am not a gamer. Nor do I keep up with the latest video game releases. Growing up, I remember playing Sonic the Hedgehog on a Sega Genesis with my brother. We eventually moved onto Nintendo games and PC-based games like Command & Conquer and Warcraft.
Fast forward to today – I can safely say video games are a preferred pastime in our family. We don’t play a ton. But there are times where it beats putting a TV show on. Within reason and boundaries, I feel like gaming can bring a family together and promote positive interactions as well. Here are the five ways they have helped:
1. Family Time and Teamwork
Life gets really busy and it is sometimes difficult to set aside time for family bonding. Between school and extracurricular activities, we have found it vital to prioritize family time during the weekend. Whether this be board games, an outdoor walk, or even a movie night, we find that this strengthens our relationship. This post on Family Focus Blog gives deeper insight into the importance of family time.
When we decide to play video games, we have tried teaching our boys to never put any one down and to not be sore losers. This is definitely easier said than done, but I think this is a great practice ground for future interactions.
The video games that we have played the most as a family are Mario Party Superstars, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Bros U Deluxe. These games allow for team-work and positive reinforcement. I find that our boys really enjoy being on the same team and cheering one another on.
2. Encouragement
We have two boys 18 months apart. Needless to say, they compete a lot and can even put each other down from time to time. However, when they play video games, we notice them encouraging each other. For example, when they are playing in a “co-op” mode, they will cheer each other on to get past an obstacle. It seems like they can band together against a common foe, which in this case, is the AI or the “computer boss”.
3. Reading and Literacy
If someone had told me our kids would improve academically by playing video games, I would have been surprised. But this is exactly what happened! Our two boys began reading a lot of words off of the menu screens and the in-game cutscenes. 6 months prior, they would be asking us to read certain parts. Now, we can hear them reading it on their own.
4. Problem Solving
While some TV and movies are great for kids, I find that video games is a more engaging experience. I can see their brains working and in the game, they are actively thinking. In more challenging games, we have worked as a family to find clues and figure out how to get past a puzzle. A great example of this is Luigi’s Mansion 3 for Nintendo Switch. There are a ton of puzzles and challenges in this game that are great for young kids. As a parent, it gave me a lot of joy to see my two boys figuring something out and celebrating together.
5. Exercise
During the pandemic, we were at home a lot. To help our kids get active while indoors, we started playing a Nintendo Switch game called Ring Fit, a workout game that allowed all of us to stay active. While there are certainly opportunities for families to spend outdoors, these types of games provide a different outlet. Other games featuring sport and dance are also available as well for video game family time.
