Now, I know some will jump on this just to say “typical lazy single mum throwing her son in front of a screen” But I literally only have two hands. I can’t be gluing and sticking whilst I’m hovering. I can’t teach macrame while I’m cooking dinner, picking up dog dollops or jet washing the flags. We simply can’t spend the entire evening learning ukulele together, I need to get a shower!
We live in the city centre so his mates aren’t out building dens in the woods, they’re playing computer games too! Its not just Mario Cart where you go round and around in endless circles. Most of the current popular games require serious skills. In a world where parents are bombarded with information about whats bad for our kids, here’s 9 reasons why you can feel less guilty about yours playing video games, and enjoy the break!
Video games encourage physical activity. Games like Pro Skater and FIFA can encourage children to want to get outside and improve their skills. I certainly note a direct correlation between the time spent playing Pro Skater and the hours I’m required to sit in the skatepark playing “Mum watch this”.
Kids get used to losing. The more you play the more you lose. And theres no time for tantrums when you’re so keen to dust yourself off and try harder next time. Video games inspire the persistence required for an entrepreneurial adulthood.
Increased dexterity. I’ve spent most of my adult life typing at a computer, but I can’t move my hands with the speed and precision of a gamer. It’s difficult not to be inspired by a small child with the dexterity of a brain surgeon.
Development of communication and team working skills. Through the bedroom door I can hear my son pass information as clearly and effectively as Jack Bauer in the series 24. His ability to give directions and encourage people with his words, far outweighs mine at his age.
Team working stills. Games like Fornite depend on communication for a team to succeed. Usually shy teenagers can sound as inspiring as Michelle Obama with the gaming headset on.
Games require strategic thinking, spacial understanding and imagination. Calculating those jumps and angles requires players to employ their maths and physics skills.
The joy of competition with collaboration. With team sports having been outlawed for a period due to covid. Junior school age children have been able to enjoy the collaboration they crave by playing video games with their peers online.
Develop management skills. My son can lead an army of friends through a myriad of problem solving exercises with the motivation of a successful CEO.
Creativity. Have you ever taken a tour around your little ones Minecraft world? Its pretty impressive! I had a go a Minecraft and all I could manage was chopping a bit of wood. My nerves went when it became dark and the bad guys came out. These kids have nerves of steel!
Teaching skills. When you discover a new game you naturally want all your friends to jump on and play it with you. No-one wants to play something they’re rubbish at. In order to encourage them to stick with it you need to pass on your knowledge and skills learned so that they can enjoy it to.
There is a difference between healthy play and unhealthy obsession. So yes, get outside. Of course homework is non negotiable. But once all that is out the way, let the mon the xbox while you catch up on Handmaids Tale, its actually educational.
Comentarios