Could Gaming Actually Be Good For Our Children In Moderation?
Gaming is not this evil thing that we are told it is. We are told that people who game are lazy, that they likely have no future and so on which is a completely unfair representation of gamers. In fact, studies have shown that gaming can actually have quite a few benefits that will help children develop, so maybe in moderation it could be quite good for them. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading.
Teaches Problem Solving
First, we’re going to say that there are some games out there that can help your kids develop their problem-solving skills. This can be true of pretty much any game where you need to think about how to navigate your way through so that you can be the winner. Depending on the age of your kid they can literally play problem-solving games if they want to, or this can be done in a more subtle way such as being hidden within a game. For example, some games like a country simulator will allow people to control their own country, which requires a lot of thinking and making decisions. As we’ve said though, make sure you check the age rating on a game before you allow your child to play it just to be on the safe side.
Helps Develop Social Skills
Gaming can also be really healthy for social development, especially for those who are quite shy. If your child is young then they are not supposed to be in-game chat anyway, but if they are getting a little older, then you can just monitor what is going on. Sit with them while they are on the game chat and make sure that nothing untoward is happening, but watch them be a social butterfly. They can develop team working abilities and leadership qualities doing this, which can then be transferred into their daily life if they are able to do so.
The development of social skills through the use of video games can also uplift disabled children. Say your child has had trouble with their hearing and speech development. A shot of gaming every now and then can complement the affordable bluetooth hearing aids you’ve purchased for their use. They get the chance to practice using them inside the house in a safe, productive, and fun way.
Finding Decent Games For Them To Play
Of course, one of the main things to consider is finding the right games for them to play. Games that will peak their interest but also could be ones they can play with their friends online. If you are ever unsure on some of the best retro games to introduce to your child then websites like retrogamepriceguide.com could be a good resource. There are so many games they can play, whether that be online with friends, or just as a solo conquest. But finding the right game is key.
Fine Motor Control
Finally, if you know that your child struggles with their fine motor control when it comes to their hands, then gaming might be the right way to sort this out. It takes quite a lot of control to be able to game successfully as you have got to be able to work the controller. Some people find this very difficult, but the more that they practice, the easier it becomes. Ideally, you will be able to have a few consoles with different controllers so that they can get used to using different ones. We know that we’re not all millionaires though, so this is less important. But, getting them used to holding, pressing buttons, moving joysticks and other things can really help them.
Don’t get us wrong here, we’re not suggesting that you let your three-year-old play Fortnite or speak to random strangers online. But, gaming does have its benefits, so maybe it’s not the awful thing that we’ve been told to believe that it is. It might be helpful to your children, it might not, but there’s only one way to find out if the hypothesis is true.