Gaming for Parents 101: Promoting Positive Play

When I was growing up I learned a ton from my parents (like I hope my kids do with me). We played catch in the backyard, basketball in the driveway, but one thing I did with my dad has always stood out to me and that was building my first computer. I remember being 11 or 12 and in our bonus room upstairs while he worked on it with me and putting it all together. The feeling of placing the components in their slots, closing it up and seeing it turn on with the large, clear power button turning blue the first time was amazing. It was something so small, but incredibly significant to me. I was already in love with games, but this was something that not only broadened my gaming horizons, but also brought my dad into it as well. He taught me how to maintain it, upgrade it when I wanted to play newer games, and really take care of a precious device that was more sentimental than anything else. It taught me a lot of skills that I brought into my career, but it gave me a really strong sense of who my dad as a person is. I always point at him and this story to explain why I’m interested in technology and computer building and maintenance.

I tell this story to start to explain why it’s important for YOU to be an active part of your kids gaming life. Showing that you’re interested in what they are, just like my dad did, not only cements a positive imagine in their mind about gaming, but also creates a core memory for your child as they grow. I ALWAYS promote playing games with your children as this will also help you as a parent learn the vernacular of gaming (of which we will get into at a later date) and help bond with your children. I play with my daughter when she shows interest in her Game Boy. We will sit on the couch and if she’s having a hard time with a Mario level, she might ask me to help her get through it, but my favorite times are when she figures it out by herself. When she runs to me with all the joy and excitement of beating that level that has given her so much grief, it serves as a reminder of how important games can be. She’s learning perseverance in the face of adversity through the game. I’m there to help her if she asks, but she mostly wants to feel that accomplishment herself of beating a hard level and showing me. And that makes me proud to see her grow.

You don’t have to be great to play with them either and at the rate of kids adapting to games today they’ll probably be better than you before you know it. This leads to a very interesting dynamic where they get a chance to teach YOU something which will not only serve as a bonding moment, but will show your kids a vulnerable side of you that they need to know as well. Yes, we are parents, but we are fallible. We don’t know everything and it’s okay! Let them teach you and be receptive to that learning. It will mean the world to them as they grow and learn themselves. This can honestly apply to anything, but I think goes overlooked with gaming the majority of the time as it is a hobby that parents let kids explore by themselves and aren’t always very hands on with. I want you to get your hands on a controller!!

Here are a few games that I would recommend you hop into with your kids:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder - The newest in the Super Mario Line and a very fun and interesting experience that is PERFECT for you to play with your kids. If you have a regular switch, you can both play on a single Joy-Con and there’s no need to buy a new controller! This does support up to four people playing on a single console, so the whole family (as long as there’s only four of you) can play!

Luigi’s Mansion 3 - Another Switch title that is a little spookier, Luigi’s Mansion 3 has a mode where a second player can jump in and control Gooigi (I know. It’s silly.) with the second controller. It’s a wonderful game that is both great for Halloween time, but a ton of fun outside of that as well. This only supports two players in that mode, but there is another mode that supports more players called “Scarepark”.

It Takes Two - Now, this might be a little more appropriate for some older kids since the themes in this game are a little heavier (it’s about divorce), BUT it’s a wonderful game nonetheless. It’s a split screen game that combines exploration, cooperative puzzles and humor/drama in a way that is wholly unique. This is just for two players (but I would also recommend this game for couples to play together as well).

The key takeaway I want you to get out of this post is the importance of playing with your kids. Staying involved with their gaming habits will not only promote the positivity that is lacking in today’s gaming climate, but will go a long way in bolstering your relationship with your children and making sure they are staying safe while playing.

Also, Happy Birthday Dad! Thank you always being there when I need you and helping me build not only computers, but a brighter future for our community.

As always, you’re not in this alone. We are here to help!

-Andrew