It’s hard to deny the influence of the modern-day gaming industry. Not only is it the largest entertainment sector on the planet, but it seems that those under a certain age were raised by it. While TV shows used to connect people (and sometimes they do on streaming platforms like Netflix), many now talk about video games and the stories involved. This is especially true of teens.
Yet while it’s true that video games are less harmful than our own parents may have thought, it’s true that they can demand an incredible timesink. If you’re not careful, it’s easy for unrestricted access to cause your children to become exposed to unwanted content, while also developing unhealthy habits, and even preferring this idealized virtual space to the real world. We don’t need to convince you why that’s unhealthy, as a parent you likely know.
However, most parents are busy and aren’t gaming experts. It’s not always easy to know where or how to draw the line, or even how to set up the console settings in your favor. In this post, we’ll help you with an ultimate parenting gaming guide. This way, you can ensure your children have a healthy relationship to gaming.
Set Acceptable Gaming Hours
Even for adults enjoying some light entertainment on their game console know one truth – gaming can be a serious time suck if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s a smart move to set some clear boundaries on when your children are allowed to sit down at the television, and how long that can go on for. Maybe you lay down the law that gaming is only allowed after homework and chores are done for the day, and only for two or three hours a night. Or, you could designate specific time slots, like a couple of hours after dinner.
Thankfully, you can usually set playtime hours through the parental controls app on a console, meaning you don’t have to continually watch over your child or listen for the beep of a console switching on. The key is finding that sweet spot that works for your family’s schedule and keeps the gaming from taking over their whole life, but also a schedule that doesn’t preclude access to the expensive console you’ve already paid for.
Manage Parental Settings
As mentioned, most gaming platforms these days have built-in parental controls that can allow you to change restrictions where needed. For example, they let you restrict access to certain types of content, set our aforementioned time limits, and even manage online interactions. It’s definitely worth taking the time to really dig into these settings and customize them to fit your family’s values and what you’re comfortable with.
Maybe you don’t mind a sixteen-year-old playing eighteen-rated games, but that’s a decision it’s worth making yourself instead of having that made for you. This approach will also help you understand the user interface of the console itself, which will allow you to make changes in the future if you need to, like removing them all when they turn eighteen.
Take A Healthy Interest In The Titles They Play
It’s wise not to think of gaming as a terrible hobby with no redeeming features. That’s just not true. So, instead of just writing off gaming as a mindless waste of time, try to actually understand what’s so appealing about the games your kids are into.
Ask them questions about the storylines, characters, and what makes the gameplay so engaging. Not only does it show that you respect their interests, but it can also lead to some pretty cool conversations about the deeper themes and messages hidden within the games. For example, think of Minecraft, it’s one of the biggest creative building games on the planet, and can encourage children to think about crafting, developing beautiful locations, and even curating art.
This also helps you keep watch as a parent and makes sure the content they’re enjoying is suitable.
Introduce Offline Hobbies
Gaming is all well and good, but it’s important to make sure your kids have a well-rounded life outside of the screen. The one most valid criticism of gaming time is that success in that space rarely translates into success in the real world. No employer will hire you because you’re in the top online league of a multiplayer video game.
So, encourage them to explore different offline hobbies and activities too, like sports, art, music, or just good old-fashioned reading. You might take them to martial arts each week or encourage then to get involved in activities with their friends. This approach will help prevent them from becoming too hyper-focused on gaming and give them a chance to develop other valuable skills and interests – this way real life will be just as fun and enjoyable as the achievements of the virtual world, and they won’t feel the need to “escape it.” Even knowing you have a nice bicycle outside can be enough for a teen to get out and explore.
Creative-Based Games
Above we mentioned Minecraft and how it provided more creative expression than games solely based in just conflict or battles. These are the types of games that let your kids flex their expressive muscles and problem-solving skills by building, designing, or even coding their own game elements. Not only can they be super engaging, but they also help nurture some pretty handy skills for the future. Of course, probability-based games like Minesweeper are still excellent as far as this goes, but you might also consider online Chess, board games that could be virtual, or even games that are approved by your school.
Moreover, some games are puzzle-based and co-operative, which can be much healthier for a developing mind.
Track Spending Or Tied Payment Information
A necessary fair warning for parents – a lot of games these days have in-game purchases or microtransactions that can really start to add up if you’re not paying attention. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on any payment information tied to their gaming accounts, and have clear conversations about responsible spending habits in the gaming world.
Of course, you can make certain that your card info isn’t tied to their account so they won’t “accidentally” purchase that online character skin they were interested in. Setting some clear limits can save you from a serious case of sticker shock later on. Too many news stories about Fortnite microtransactions billed to unexpected parents caused us to add this subheading, so don’t let their financial sacrifice be in vain!
Gaming Privileges & Behavior
One approach that can work well is tying gaming privileges directly to positive behavior and responsible day-to-day actions. If your kids are consistently getting their responsibilities taken care of and following the rules, gaming can be a nice reward for them, and you might not push them on cutting off at a strict time each night.
However, if they start slacking off or acting out, a temporary gaming timeout might be in order. After all, gaming is fun, but it’s a privilege that can be taken away without much damage to a child, unlike preventing them from playing outside or going to an afterschool club. It’s all about finding that balance and using gaming as an incentive for good behavior, letting your child know that this will be the first thing to go if they don’t behave well. So their good behaviour is directly tied to their gaming time, and that’s not often a bad link to draw in the mind of a young one – being a responsible gamer means being a good person, and vice versa.
Game-Free Devices
Consider designating certain devices or areas as “game-free zones” to help create some boundaries. Maybe the bedroom or dining table are off-limits for gaming, or you restrict gaming on certain devices altogether like the family TV. It’s just a way to prevent gaming from becoming an all-consuming activity and taking over their entire world. Maybe you’re going on vacation, but want them to leave the gaming devices at home. It all depends on your perspective as a parent, these are just suggestions you get to define for yourself and what’s right for your little ones.
Co-Operative Family Fun
Gaming doesn’t have to be something “the kids do.” Lots of games these days have multiplayer modes or split-screen options that allow the whole family to join in on the fun. Setting aside some time for cooperative family gaming sessions can be a great way to bond, create silly memories, and maybe even a little friendly competition (just don’t get too competitive, Mom and Dad!)
Moreover, don’t be afraid to ask your kids to break down and explain the games they’re playing or the concepts they’re encountering. You may be surprised at how interesting and mature some of the themes and concepts can be, even for games suitable for children. A game might be an adventure which deals with loss or the rejuvenation of a world, or a beautiful art game about the human experience. Talking about this could help those concepts really settle in your child’s mind, and give them intellectual thoughts to think about for some time.
With this advice, you’ll be certain to help your children develop a healthier relationship to gaming.
