Do your kids like gaming? Are they asking you to buy consoles and games for them, or are they already spending some time gaming? You may have wondered what the pros and cons are and whether you should be letting your kids game at all. Here are some ideas of the pros and cons so you have a better idea of whether this is something your kids should even be doing!
Pro: There Are Games For All Ages
There are games suitable for all ages, so you can easily pick one that you feel is suitable for your child. There is usually an age recommendation on the box and an idea of what will go on in the game if you are unsure. Minecraft is a perennial favorite for children that is available across a variety of devices.
Con: Playing Video Games Usually Takes Place Indoors
Playing video games usually takes place indoors, so your child may be missing out on sunshine and fresh air. Everyone benefits from time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Our family’s rule is that in order to have game time, there must have been time outdoors first. You might also reserve games for times when it is not possible to play outdoors, such as bad weather or traveling.
Pro: Playing Games Can Help Kids To Destress
Kids get stressed too and playing games for a short amount of time each day can actually help them to feel less stressed. Just 30 minutes of playing showed more relaxation in studies. Just be careful the game chosen is not one that gets them more stressed and anxious. We have to be careful of this with our middle schoolers especially.
Con: Some Games Have Violence In Them
You will need to be careful that the game your child is playing does not have violence in it if they are not ready for that. Be vigilant and ensure the game is appropriate. Typically, the language is often inappropriate for children when there is violence. The ratings on the games can really help with this. You can also often find gameplay videos on YouTube that give you a good look at the game in play.
Pro: Playing Video Games Can Help Your Kids To Improve Certain Functions
Playing video games can actually be beneficial to your kids. For example, their focus and coordination can improve with regular playing. Games that require strategy and long-view thinking help to build critical thinking skills. The Final fantasy 15 mobile strategy game is suitable for various ages and can be played on various devices, so you may not even need to purchase a games console.
Con: If Played For Too Long They Can Cause Dissociation
If you allow your child to play games for too long, it could cause dissociation with the outside world. Kids brains are like sponges, so too much of something like this could confuse them and mess with their mental health. But, every child is different. Only you can determine if something is too much.
Pro: Teach Failure And Friendly Competition
Your kids are unlikely to win at their games all the time, and this is actually a good thing. Games can teach kids that failing is OK. It can also teach them friendly competition. Not everything has to be fierce and win or die!
Conclusion: Should You Let Your Kids Play Video Games?
Gaming for your kids is safe, fun, and even beneficial providing you choose the right game and limit the amount of time they play. 30 minutes to an hour each day (but I still wouldn’t allow it every day) is enough for the benefits. Playing any more than that could mean they lose touch with reality and don’t want to do anything else. Some games can become addictive, so you’ll need to be careful. Make sure your kids have other hobbies, too, such as a sporting hobby, reading, or painting. Having multiple hobbies will do them a world of good and help them to develop faster.