Kids today have more opportunities than ever before to play video games. There are several different gaming consoles they can hook up to a TV as well as hand-held gaming devices and gaming apps that can be downloaded on tablets, phones, and other devices. The media is over-run with stories about kids being pushed to hard with their studies, their athletic endeavors, and so much more, and so giving kids time to just chill out with video games sure does sound like a reasonable idea.
Yet the media is also filled with stories about how video games cause aggression and violent tendencies in kids, and how they lead to obesity and all-around laziness in kids, too. As a parent, you may be wondering where that fine line between too much and too little can be drawn. Here are some pointers to help your kids stay safe, healthy, and happy while enjoying their downtime gaming, too:
Impose Time Limits. As with most things in life, studies have shown that video gaming in excess can be destructive. You can help kids to find that happy middle ground by imposing time limits on their game time. Encourage them to enjoy their gaming time wholeheartedly for a certain amount of time, but then have them take a break to go to the park with friends, read a book, or do something else a bit more constructive.
Make It Social. Many games today are interactive and can accommodate multiple players. One of the criticisms of video games is that the encourage kids to be reclusive, but when you invite a few friends over to enjoy an hour or two of group gaming, it can be a fun, social activity.
Check the Content. Many parents today allow their kids to play video games without really knowing what those games are all about. You will want to check out the content on all video games your kids play to explore the level of violence and aggression, sexuality, and language in those games. You may just be surprised at some of the things your kids are exposed to in their video games.
As you can see, there are some steps you as a parent can take that can help to ensure your child has that downtime they want playing video games while still saying safe and healthy in the process.
Here are a few other articles written by this author:
How Positive is Your Parenting?
Helping Your Kids Through Fights with Friends
Kids and Friend Drama: When to Step In