Why you should play video games with your kid

Playtime Bonding

Playing video games with your children can be a powerful way to connect and understand their world. Marielle Segarra highlights advice from experts like Michael Rich of Boston Children's Hospital, who suggests that parents engage with their kids' gaming interests to express love and respect 1. By participating in these games, parents can gain insights into their children's joys and concerns, much like supervising a playground.

You're entering that space with a very different stance, that of essentially the student. You will get a sense for what the game is.

--- Marielle Segarra

This approach not only fosters communication but also allows parents to monitor potential online interactions and ensure a safe gaming environment 1.

   

Emotional Insights

Video games offer a unique window into a child's emotions and social interactions. Yuki Noguchi explains that while gaming can sometimes lead to frustration, it provides a valuable opportunity for parents to teach resilience and emotional regulation 2. Psychologist Kelly Dunlap views these moments as chances for children to express and manage their emotions, similar to real-life situations.

Games are real life again. Stuff happens in games that might make your kid upset, and it's a chance for them to sort of model resilience.

--- Yuki Noguchi

Moreover, games can enhance skills like teamwork and communication, as noted by Peter Etchels, a psychologist who studies gaming's impact on mental health 3. These interactions can help children develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way.