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- Posted by bronx8097 on 4/19/2009 3:00 pm
- tell ya what, i dont want my parents playing gta 4 wit me just parents and that game = not good
Savvy parents get familiar with and show interest in their kids' hobby of choice -- whether that's ballet, soccer or video games. We show you how to forge a communication connection with your young gamer to make gaming something to be appreciated from both sides of the fence.
Take care of business up front.
Don't set yourself up as the bad guy by making anything that passes your lips about video games a complaint, demand or directive. Set time limits, gaming hours and other rules right from the start, including clear consequences if the rules are broken. Some kids seem to prioritize playing video games right up there with eating, breathing and sleeping. Let children know that playing video games is a privilege, not a right.
At the same time, equip kids to handle cyberbullying, abusive language or harassment in an online video or computer game before any problems occur. You shouldn't have to worry about their safety while they're logged in -- and neither should they. Help them learn what could go wrong and how to handle themselves if it does.
If you set clear expectations at the outset, your child's video gaming becomes something fun to talk about instead of a battlefield of rules and recriminations. Now, all you need to do is connect.
