Bowser watching his kid gaming wondering if his kid should be allowed to play video games.

How Playing Video Games Can Actually Be Beneficial For Your Child

It’s no secret that children love playing video games. In fact, it’s become one of the most popular forms of entertainment for kids (and big kids!) of all ages.

In recent years, there has been much debate surrounding the topic of video games and children. Some argue that video games are detrimental to the development of children, while others claim that video games can actually be beneficial for kids.

So, are video games good or bad for kids?

The answer may surprise you : playing video games can actually be beneficial for your child.

Note, this article is my own opinion.  If you have any concerns about your child playing video games, I recommend that you speak with a professional.  I’m just a game who let’s their kids play games – and thinks you should, too!

The benefits of kids playing video games

Games can improve problem-solving skills

One of the ways in which video games can be beneficial is by helping your child to improve their problem-solving skills. In many games, players are required to think strategically in order to progress. This can help to train your child’s brain to become better at solving problems in other areas of their life.

Games can improve hand-eye coordination

Hand-eye coordination is the ability to track and respond to moving objects using your hands. It’s important for everyday activities like driving, cooking, and typing.

Bowser giving his kid a high five.

Studies have shown that playing video games can improve hand-eye coordination. This is because when you’re playing a game, you need to constantly be aware of what’s happening on the screen and react quickly.

This type of reflex training can help to improve your child’s coordination in real-life situations.

Games can improve social skills

It is a common misconception that video games are anti-social. However, video games can actually improve social skills.

Multiplayer games – whether online or locally on the same couch – require players to interact with each other in order to progress. This interaction helps to develop essential social skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. These skills are then transferable to other areas of life, such as the workplace or school.

This goes for competitive games where children are playing against other children, or coop games where everyone is working towards the same goal.  In both scenarios, children are interacting and communicating.

Bowser gaming with his kid, bonding with his child as a parent gamer.

Gaming also gives children a topic to speak about together on the playground and in other social settings.  They can discuss the games they played the night before, upcoming games and about the industry in general.  This can lead to building bonds and feeling included, which in turn can help to improve their social skills further.

So if you’re looking for a way to help your child develop their social skills, encourage them to play more video games!  However, it should go without saying that you should make sure that your children are safe online at all times and only communicating with their friends and people you trust.  It is our responsibility as parents and adults to ensure that our children are safe at all times.

The key to kids playing video games is moderation

When it comes to kids and video games, moderation is key.  They say that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and that is certainly the case when it comes to video games, too.

It’s important to set limits on how much time your child spends playing video games, and make sure they’re still getting enough exercise and spending time with family and friends outside of the game.

There’s no hard and fast rule about how much screen time is too much. It’s important to consider each child’s individual needs and temperament, and to encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities.

Note, this article is my own opinion.  If you have any concerns about your child playing video games, I recommend that you speak with a professional.  I’m just a game who let’s their kids play games – and thinks you should, too!