Level Up Your Family Time: How Video Games Can Strengthen Bonds And Create Lasting Memories

In today's digital age, video games aren't just for fun and excitement - they can boost a child's education in surprising ways. When used thoughtfully, these games can spark curiosity, enhance problem-solving skills, and make learning feel like an adventure. Plus, the trend of playing video games with your children as a bonding activity is gaining momentum among today's families.

Connecting With Our Children

In the busy world of modern parenting, finding meaningful ways to connect with our children can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Between school, extracurricular activities, and the ever-present screen time, it’s easy to feel like quality time slips through our fingers. However, there’s a unique and enriching opportunity right at our fingertips—video games. According to Today’s Parent, gaming is a growing trend for families. Jayson Hilchie, CEO and president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) explains that “Today’s parents were the first generation of gamers. We grew up with video games, and they were an important part of our childhood. So when our kids become interested, we see it as a fun opportunity to share something together.”

“Gaming can be a powerful tool for building bonds with your child, nurturing their development, and even exploring your faith together”.

Bonding over Video Games

At first glance, video games might seem like a distraction or a solitary pastime, but they offer more than just entertainment. When approached mindfully, gaming can be a powerful tool for building bonds with your child, nurturing their development, and even exploring your faith together. Let’s delve into how you can use video games as a bridge to deepen your relationship with your child while also exploring and sharing your values.

1. Finding Common Ground

Video games provide a shared space where you and your child can come together, regardless of age or interests. By participating in their favorite games or introducing them to ones you enjoy, you create opportunities for conversation and mutual understanding. This shared activity can help you gain insight into their world and foster a stronger connection. Choose games that promote cooperation and teamwork rather than competition. Games that require players to work together to achieve a common goal can reinforce the values of collaboration, empathy, and mutual support. Whether you’re solving puzzles, building structures, or embarking on epic quests, you’re creating a space where teamwork and understanding thrive.

2. Modeling Positive Behavior

As you play, your actions and responses can model important life lessons and values. In-game scenarios often present moral choices and challenges that can be a springboard for discussions about right and wrong. Use these moments to talk about integrity, compassion, and other virtues that align with your faith. For example, if a game presents a choice between helping an in-game character or ignoring their plight, use it as an opportunity to discuss the importance of kindness and support.

3. Creating Sacred Moments

Turn gaming sessions into opportunities for creating cherished memories. Before starting a game, take a moment to reflect together—perhaps with a short prayer or a discussion about what you hope to achieve in the game and how it relates to your values. This can help frame the experience in a positive light and align it with your faith. After a gaming session, engage in a debrief to reflect on the experience. Talk about what went well, what challenges you faced, and how you navigated them together. This reflection can help solidify the values and lessons learned during playtime and strengthen your bond.

4. Encouraging Growth and Learning

Many video games are designed to stimulate problem-solving skills, creativity, and strategic thinking. Use these opportunities to encourage your child’s growth in these areas. Celebrate their achievements and guide them through challenges with patience and encouragement. Your involvement in their gaming journey shows them that you value their interests and are invested in their personal development.

5. Balancing Screen Time

It’s important to remember that balance is key. Set boundaries and ensure that gaming is just one of many ways you connect with your child. Combine gaming with other activities that promote physical activity, creativity, and spiritual growth. Encourage a balanced lifestyle where video games complement, rather than replace, other forms of interaction and learning.

Making Friends Safely Online

Is it possible to safely make new friends while gaming? Online friends absolutely count as real friends. It doesn't matter where you met; it's the social-emotional connection that counts. You may start out with digital communication and move on to hanging out in person, or you may take a while to meet due to distance. Some children naturally make friends easily IRL (in real life), while others take more time to connect with new people, so meeting in a gaming scenario may be a great way of building a close circle of friends your child can relate to.

Gaming Safety

If you’re worried about how safe the video game culture is, Todays Parent cites that “there are helpful industry resources available for parents, like the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) ratings system, which helps you choose games that are age-appropriate and learn to set parental controls. The ESAC also has a series of videos to help parents set up controls to monitor the types of games their kids are playing and how much time they’re spending online.”

Conclusion

Bonding with your child through video games can not only be an educational experience, but also a rewarding and faith-affirming experience. By embracing gaming as a shared activity, modeling positive behavior, and using it as a tool for reflection and growth, you can create meaningful connections and enrich your family life. In a world where screens often separate us, let’s use them as a bridge to come closer together, grounded in love, understanding, and shared values. So grab a controller, choose a game, and embark on this unique journey of connection and faith with your child. You might just discover that the joy of gaming is only the beginning of a deeper and more meaningful relationship. Remember to also keep in mind that the next time your child picks up a game controller, it might just be levelling up their learning in the most fun way possible!

Inspired Source: https://www.todaysparent.com/sponsored/why-more-families-are-playing-video-games-together/