Tips for “Good” video gaming
Ok, it isnt such a far-fetched idea really, but given the day and age we live in, when it comes to video games and kids, its just a matter of time (unless you live in Outer Mongolia – but then again, even there they’ve probably got some bootleg gameboy from the mainland).
Not that I’ve decided to give in and allow N to have one just yet- I think its better to get all the facts and get oneself ready to make the best out of a situation.
So here are some tips I found:
1. Find the “good” games and stay away from the “bad”
Find games that people can play together (team building and sportsmanship) like sports and action games. Make it more social, as opposed to a “mind-numbing” activity. Steer clear of violent titles, do your research and check out online reviews first.
2. Get “Active” Games
If like me, you’re concerned about the health aspect, then get some games which will get the kids (and maybe even yourself) out of the sofa and moving! These usually come with a dance pad, which younger kids will enjoy. Karaoke games are fun too, like Singstar, which can get the whole family spending some fun quality time together.
3. Be Involved
As with most things in your child’s life, take an active involvement. Try and spend some time together playing and discover why your child loves it. In my case though, it will be my husband playing the sports and action things – I’ll just stick to the karaoke.
The same pro-video game parent who inspired these tips had this to say (he does have a point).
Don’t believe all the popular media about violence in video games. While there have been a great deal of sensationalist news claims over the years, little legitimate supporting research has been presented that makes a strong link between games and violence. In 2001, the Surgeon General of the United States released a report that concluded, “[t]aken together, findings suggest that media violence has a relatively small impact on violence.” Besides, the debate becomes mute if you pay attention to the content of the games your child is playing.
It’s easy to want to say no when your kid asks for a video game system for Christmas or for a birthday; after all, we’ve all seen various news reports about the dangers of video games. But next time your child makes such a request, don’t be so quick with that knee-jerk reaction. Two thirds of parents with children under the age of 18 say that they feel video games are a positive element of their child’s life. You don’t have to feel guilty next time someone asks you, “You let your kids play video games?” Just look surprised and say, “We play video games together. Why? Don’t you?”
You might be surprised at how nice a ring that line has.
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July 19th, 2007 at 6:42 am
Common Sense Media is a great resource for parents wanting to be more involved with their kids’ media habits. Common Sense reviews video games – as well as movies, Web sites, and more – and recommends by age group, so parents don’t have to guess what’s good out there for their kids to play. Visit http://www.commonsensemedia.org.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
I do believe children’s game need to be scanned by the parents. Some games on PC or on game console or on Xbox or nintendo may be too violent for certain aged children. I wrote on my blog on my Nintendo DS lite game which I share with my 5 years old recently. SOme of the games catered to adults as well as children. Like Nintendo Dogs, Mama Cooking. Check it out on my blog then.
http://www.parentingblessings.com
December 14th, 2007 at 12:21 am
I disagree that they need to be scanned. Think about it, theres more violence on tv, even just on the news channel, compared to video games. If its not video games, they blame the tv, or another source.
Its a matter of staying involved with your children and having an open line of communication with them.
March 22nd, 2008 at 11:45 pm
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