Can there be a healthy balance to playing games in my family life and how do I achieve it?
The answer is yes. Technology has come a long way since today's parents played their first game of Pac-Man. As a child in today's world, there is a wealth of healthy game choices available – games that are not only a source of fun but a source of enhancement for your everyday family life. How do you find these games? How do you incorporate them into your child's life? Read on.
Use Gaming to Educate
Kids can learn so much from today's games. For example, one of our family's favorites for our Wii is Endless Ocean. My husband considers himself to be somewhat of an expert on marine life, so he loves sitting down to play this game with our 4 1/2 year old Nate. In this game, you're a diver on various quests to explore the ocean and the marine life you find down there as you swim around.My son has fun as they explore and Dad gets to give him a lesson on sea life. Sure, we take many trips to the local aquarium but we can't do that every week and when we can't, this is one way he can experience and learn.
Use Gaming to Teach Computer Skills
Last winter, I bought my oldest son a desktop computer. It may sound a bit insane that a 4-year-old owns his own personal computer, but he was logging so many hours on my laptop that something had to give.
Of course, he doesn't sit on the computer and type his ABCs into a Word Document -- he's online playing games. PBS Kids, Disney Online and Nick Jr. are three of his favorite game stops. I have each bookmarked for him in Firefox on his own desktop -- he knows how to turn on the computer, log in, and navigate to each of his favorite sites.
Take Advantage of Today's Technology
Today's parents have preconceived notions about video games, which stems from our own childhoods. So many of us spent hours parked in front of our Ataris and Segas for hours at a time, not moving a muscle. Today's games offer much more physical activity than those we grew up playing.
Make it a Family Affair
Another big trend in games; encouraging team playing among families and friends.
As a child of the '70s, it was hard to imagine my Mom sitting down and playing a game of Frogger with me for any extended period of time, but in our house today, my son and I (jokingly) fight for the Wii remote.
If it isn't Mario Kart, the two of us work together to unlock a level in Lego Star Wars – building LEGOs and solving problems.
Make it an Extended Family Affair
Family bonding over gaming doesn't have to be limited to just the immediate family.
My parents live in Florida. As much as we try with regular phone calls and visits, nothing replaces the fact Mom can't jet over to our house to play with her grandsons whenever she wants.
Limit game time
When all is said and done, it's still good to impose guidelines around "game time" in any household. It's easy to get sucked in – even my husband and I find we have to force ourselves to turning things off at some point.
We have a rule in our house for my oldest: no Wii in the morning, and no Wii if it's sunny and he hasn't been outside to play yet. There is much good to be found in gaming (and fun) with your children but nothing can replace good old fashioned play out in the backyard.
