Introducing your children to video games
- Thread starter Eiolon
- Start date
Now that's good parenting advice.
KojiKnight
Member
My daughter is ALMOST 3... she plays Nintendoland with us. Before that she'd use the 3DSes we have to play cooking mama or watch dora on netflix.
I don't feel there is a reason to keep a child from playing games even at that young of age as long as it's not an excuse not to parent. We also make sure she runs around, we read books to her, etc etc.
Games are like junk food, moderation is all it takes.
I don't feel there is a reason to keep a child from playing games even at that young of age as long as it's not an excuse not to parent. We also make sure she runs around, we read books to her, etc etc.
Games are like junk food, moderation is all it takes.
Why not read to your kids? Can't they learn new words from books? I still remember going to library with my parents to check out books. I am sure some day your kid will get introduce to games by his or her friends, but his or her friends probably won't introduce your kid to reading.
And if they ended up enjoying video games more than reading? So why introduce it so early?
Answering the first comment directed at me: Life would be dull if you were always doing something useful.
I never said never do anything that is considered a waste of time. In respects to MY children, I would prefer it if we did family events (camping, motor boating, traveling, whatever), and in their solo time, played sports or hung out with friends.
Second question: No redeemable value? Give me a fucking break. Video Games are a waste of time. Unless you're a professional gamer, I personally don't see what there is to get out of it as a hobby. I picked up several other hobbies along the way like weightlifting and guitar that I regret only discovering now after I moved away from home. My parents never pushed me to do anything, they were always working and just bought me a ton of videogames to act as a babysitter.
I never said never do anything that is considered a waste of time. In respects to MY children, I would prefer it if we did family events (camping, motor boating, traveling, whatever), and in their solo time, played sports or hung out with friends.
Second question: No redeemable value? Give me a fucking break. Video Games are a waste of time. Unless you're a professional gamer, I personally don't see what there is to get out of it as a hobby. I picked up several other hobbies along the way like weightlifting and guitar that I regret only discovering now after I moved away from home. My parents never pushed me to do anything, they were always working and just bought me a ton of videogames to act as a babysitter.
Nobody introduced me to video games, and I like them just fine. However my dad was a big star trek fan and he tried to force star trek on me, and I automatically despise anything to do with star trek.
So just let them be a kid, it's stupid to force anything on them, they'll naturally gravitate towards their own interests.
So just let them be a kid, it's stupid to force anything on them, they'll naturally gravitate towards their own interests.
entremet
Member
Sorry, but that's your fault, my man. Many people play games and have diverse hobbies. Moderation.
This all or nothing kind of thinking is so weird and purantical.
Does watching sports, TV, and reading genre fiction have any redeemable value?
Everyone needs down time.
Don't be sorry. And I completely agree. It IS my fault, and moderation is key.
All I said is that I never would introduce them to games and I wouldn't encourage it as an activity. In the future, they will have friends who play video games and they'll be exposed to it obviously. I just personally would desire they don't take it on as a primary hobby.
Edit: Again, I'm not saying not to have downtime. It's like someone else in this thread mentioned. Video games are built to be addictive. As a parent, my objective would be to introduce them to the wide array of hobbies that are out there. I also won't be a demon-nazi dad if my kid loves video games and ban him from it. I just wouldn't want them neglecting other aspects of their life like I did.
Jive Turkey
Unconfirmed Member
Yeah this is basically where I stand.
Not me. When I was a kid I took such good care of my games but that's probably due to the fact that I bought almost all of them myself. Nothing makes you appreciate keeping things in good condition like spending your own hard-earned money on it.
I spent a decent chunk of this cold and wet weekend playing minecraft with my two kids. We built a settlement, I planted some crops, my son is rearing animals and my daughter is building a treehouse. She invited one of her school friends to play on our server and we all had fun.
They are 8 and 11 and probably started playing around 5. DS first but iPad would be a tempting alternative. Just treat it like any other fun activity, everything in moderation. And enjoy the moment because hell be kicking your arse in mario kart within 3 years
They are 8 and 11 and probably started playing around 5. DS first but iPad would be a tempting alternative. Just treat it like any other fun activity, everything in moderation. And enjoy the moment because hell be kicking your arse in mario kart within 3 years
entremet
Member
That's fine. And its your prerogative as a parent, but I think giving a child a sense of curiousity and adventure will take care of that, along with providing proper boundaries.
Let's face there will hobbies that are just screen time for relaxing--they will not being playing sports and chilling outside 24/7. I loved playing outside as kid and I still enjoyed gaming as well.
But I just find it funny people that berate gaming, when they do equally intrinsicly worthless things as well--Watching TV and mindless web surfing, and much longer than gaming.
The average Amercan watches 30 hours of mindless TV a week! I'm lucky to get 8 hours per week for gaming, along with my career, social life, gym, other hobbies.
Hell, as time starved adult--I wish I spent less online than most other time wasters.
I think Internet addiction is a way bigger problem, but is more socially accepted due to smartphones, social media and what not.
Imp the Dimp
Member
I wouldn't force it upon my child but I'd be happy if it found joy in video games as well. Best fucking hobby ever.
blindrocket
Member
I say give them Call of Duty and hope for the best.
In reality though, I have an eight year old and four year old (almost five) that plays games.
The eight year old plays Sims 3 Pets and Toy Story 3 and a few little PSN games. She's playing Tank Battles right now, actually.
My four year old has a blast but doesn't really play the games the way they were intended. Usually just running around.
In reality though, I have an eight year old and four year old (almost five) that plays games.
The eight year old plays Sims 3 Pets and Toy Story 3 and a few little PSN games. She's playing Tank Battles right now, actually.
My four year old has a blast but doesn't really play the games the way they were intended. Usually just running around.
SarcasticD
Member
This. I'm not gonna force my kid to play video games but ill give my kid atleast a first experience with video games and let she/he decide if they like them. If so, awesome. If not, oh well but I at least let them try it out.
I myself started at a very young age and it honestly added on my relationship with my mother (A gamer herself)
By your logic, learning how to play guitar is only useful if you are going to be a professional at it? What do you get out of playing an instrument you enjoy? You have fun learning, you can play with other people, gives you something else to talk about, and opens doors to more opportunities in general. What do you get for playing videogames as a hobby? The same thing. You have fun challenging yourself with the game, you can play with other people, gives you something to talk about, and opens doors to more opportunities in general. These are what hobbies do and it's why we enjoy them. I kind of understand what you are saying, but you are criminalizing videogames to a point where it's ridiculous. It's like you and others have said, it's all about moderation. It sucks that they took up so much of your life when you were younger to the point where you regret it.
I really don't understand the video game shame/hate in this thread. This is a damn video game forum, how do you not see the virtues in this hobby? I DO understand that people wish they didn't waste so much time playing games when they were younger I guess... but that's not a problem with video games. That's a problem with any hobby.
Would it be better if you kid was doing nothing but thinking about football and lifting weights? Ignoring friends or other social experiences that were outside of that hobby? Just because it's more socially acceptable to be "into" football rather then games? F that.
My daughter has already been introduced to games because she sees me playing them. She likes to play plants versus zombies, crayon physics, and the Elmo monster friends kinect game. I love it, it's crazy to see how good she is at them, and I actually prefer her to play games then watch TV.
Edit:
This so much. Not to mention that a guitar will always be a guitar, you can get really good at it and play different types of music, but it will never tell you a story, it can't be a spaceship one minute and a block puzzle the next... There's nothing like video games for exercising imagination or critical thinking skills, which is great for children and adults alike.
Would it be better if you kid was doing nothing but thinking about football and lifting weights? Ignoring friends or other social experiences that were outside of that hobby? Just because it's more socially acceptable to be "into" football rather then games? F that.
My daughter has already been introduced to games because she sees me playing them. She likes to play plants versus zombies, crayon physics, and the Elmo monster friends kinect game. I love it, it's crazy to see how good she is at them, and I actually prefer her to play games then watch TV.
Edit:
This so much. Not to mention that a guitar will always be a guitar, you can get really good at it and play different types of music, but it will never tell you a story, it can't be a spaceship one minute and a block puzzle the next... There's nothing like video games for exercising imagination or critical thinking skills, which is great for children and adults alike.
I'll murder you
Please never have kids bro.
entremet
Member
lmao
Far out, there is a lot of self-hatred in here.
My son introduced himself to video games at about two, after our having made the mistake of putting our phones down where he could reach them. He loves them now (at four) in whatever form he can get them, but he loves a lot of other things, too, and when we feel he's been playing too much the games go away. Not a big deal.
My son introduced himself to video games at about two, after our having made the mistake of putting our phones down where he could reach them. He loves them now (at four) in whatever form he can get them, but he loves a lot of other things, too, and when we feel he's been playing too much the games go away. Not a big deal.
Jive Turkey
Unconfirmed Member
Child abuse is a crime dude.
I was playing and my 3 year old started taking an interest, I have given him my Gamecube and let him play Mario Sunshine, Double dash and am about to introduce him to Monkey Ball. At first it was hard to get him off them but we have been really strict and he knows when its time to stop playing. We think his star present this Christmas will be the big plush Shine Sprite we have got him, he loves those things.
As an aside he loves going to the park, is very energetic and love books to be read to him throughout the day and before bed. He also loves Videogames, reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger.
As an aside he loves going to the park, is very energetic and love books to be read to him throughout the day and before bed. He also loves Videogames, reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger.
Yoshichan
And they made him a Lord of Cinder. Not for virtue, but for might. Such is a lord, I suppose. But here I ask. Do we have a sodding chance?
Nealand Liquor
Member
Odd thread with so many extremist negative views on gaming and children. Weird, I don't see the harms gaming with responsible parenting.
We have two boys, aged four and two, and we've been allowing our four year old to play since he was two-ish. He plays stuff like kinectimals, Disneyland Adventures, fruit ninja, etc. and together we play kinect sports, with Mom he plays Dance Central, which is hilarious to watch.
The thing is in our house we treat gaming just like everything else related to entertainment: moderated and age appropiate. Just as we won't let them watch TV and movies for hours on end, we don't allow that to happen with video gaming. We view it as another way to have fun and another option for family time when the mood strikes or on rainy days.
We have two boys, aged four and two, and we've been allowing our four year old to play since he was two-ish. He plays stuff like kinectimals, Disneyland Adventures, fruit ninja, etc. and together we play kinect sports, with Mom he plays Dance Central, which is hilarious to watch.
The thing is in our house we treat gaming just like everything else related to entertainment: moderated and age appropiate. Just as we won't let them watch TV and movies for hours on end, we don't allow that to happen with video gaming. We view it as another way to have fun and another option for family time when the mood strikes or on rainy days.
I have no idea why some people are lampooning the idea that video games are going to rot their children's brains.
I would promote the use of video games to my children, especially when they have the free time to do so. I can only imagine the boosts it would do to - reading comprehension, problem solving in multiple ways, building better muscle memory capacities, increasing their reaction time, an appreciation of various music, let alone spending time with them.
Only lunatics would dismiss the validity of video games to a growing mind.
I would promote the use of video games to my children, especially when they have the free time to do so. I can only imagine the boosts it would do to - reading comprehension, problem solving in multiple ways, building better muscle memory capacities, increasing their reaction time, an appreciation of various music, let alone spending time with them.
Only lunatics would dismiss the validity of video games to a growing mind.
Ciastek3214
Junior Member
Goddamn this thread is stupid.
Why not? Video games can greatly enhance a childs motor skills, and even their language. Personally, not being a native English-speaker, I was way beyond my class-mates in elementary school in English. This was primarily because of all the video games I played, and I pestered my parents/brothers to translate for me until I learned.
Of course, everything has limits. Introducing your child to games does not mean they cannot be outside and play. My daughter loves to be outside, so I haven't put a limit on her gaming time - but the moment she'd rather stay inside gaming instead of playing with her friends, then we'll have a talk.
This is exactly what I would go with as well, because that's exactly what I am doing ^_^. I'd just let them sit back and see if that's what they want to enjoy.
While true there are other things that can do the same.
Of course, but I don't see how that's relevant. His point was that video games has nothing to offer his child, and I disagree, even if there are other activities that offer the same benefits.
I really don't get this 'video games are an inferior hobby' talk. Why is it worse than reading? Why is it worse than playing football? Why does liking video games exclude liking football and reading? Everyone needs some downtime, and I believe that forcing your child to do constructive things every minute of the day is harmful.
There are some posts in this thread that make me think there are some bigger issues with parental insecurity around here than with gaming.
I won't be introducing my daughter to gaming. But I will be gaming in her presence, and if she chooses to take an interest in those games then I will encourage her to play, socialise and learn through gaming as much as her interests in it allow.
There are aspects of gaming I obviously would prefer her not to see, but that's the same for everything. There are aspects of gaming you have to show parental caution with, just the same as with television, sport and even reading.
I won't be introducing my daughter to gaming. But I will be gaming in her presence, and if she chooses to take an interest in those games then I will encourage her to play, socialise and learn through gaming as much as her interests in it allow.
There are aspects of gaming I obviously would prefer her not to see, but that's the same for everything. There are aspects of gaming you have to show parental caution with, just the same as with television, sport and even reading.
that1dude24
Member
well, reading would develop their understanding and grasp of language at a far greater rate than playing games, and would introduce them to new concepts while improving their critical thinking skills. football would promote social skills, motor coordination and physical fitness. both would induce tangibly better effects on the child than video games (generally) do.
i'm not arguing that games are totally worthless, to be clear, but there are certainly other things you could introduce your child to that would be markedly better for their development. they're probably going to pick up playing games themselves or via their peers without your intervention anyway.
It has something to offer i'm not saying that, I just don't see it offering anything useful in the long run. That said no one introduced me to gaming I just saw it one day tried it and liked it. Gaming has its good points it and keeping kids off the street is one of them. Gaming is like the only hobby though that increases laziness at younger ages and it doesn't help you in school. If kids want to get into gaming let them get into it on their own instead of saying here play this, its the best way to go about it imo.
SillyEskimo
Member
Children can start preschool at age 3 and attend 2 years before kindergarden which starts at age 5.
My girls are ages 4 and 5. Playing video games was one of the first things they ever did, thanks to the iPad. That device truely comes alive in the hands of a child. Memory games, counting, colors, shapes, vocabulary, music, you name it and the iPad has an age appropriate app for it. It allows children to learn in a way they never realize they are learning. Both of my children are leaps ahead of kids their age and I attribute much if that to video games.
They finished Lego Batman 2 together entirely on their own. They worked together and figured the various puzzles out without any help at all from either of us parents. Think about that. That's fucking crazy!
My kids both have iPads and iPods. They play xbox 360, PS3, and Wii whenever they want for as long as they want (they are only interested in child friendly games still). They also watch all the TV they want. They are almost 100% self regulated. It works amazingly well for my children. Every home/family is different, and many children will not self regulate very well if given the opportunity due to a wide variety of reasons. However, it works great for mine. They barely ever play video games or watch TV even though they can do it whenever they want. As a family, we enjoy many opportunites and perks that many families lack, such as having at least 1 parent home at all times with the children since birth. My wife and I both have well paying jobs and work as a team to set goals for the entire family. My childen enjoy a stable home life with extremely attentive and encouraging parents. Basically what I'm saying is that video games do not make kids bad. Terrible parents and a shitty home life turn out bad kids. Video games make a good thing great.
As long as my children are happy, appreciative, social, and do well in school, they can continue to do whatever they want. As parents, we will continue to monitor and tweek their behavior and habits as we see fit, while providing every opportunity to explore their every curiousity. Honestly, we couldn't be happier with the way things have gone up to this point. We were blessed with good kids though. Many people are not so fortunate so parenting can be much, much more difficult for other parents. For this reason I try very hard to not judge other parenting styles.
Your kids sound like me as a kid. I'm thankful to have had parents similar to you!
Anticitizen One
Banned
I'd get my kids started on Wii U and then blow there minds with Ps4
The human race still has hope left with SillyEskimo's parenting skills.
Why don't you make them play nothing but C64 games and then throw on a PC game?
Why don't you make them play nothing but C64 games and then throw on a PC game?
The best reply in the entire thread. Very comprehensive. OP, take notes.
Screw the first reply, this post nails it.
I don't understand everybodies hate in video games here. If you guys are so ashamed and bitter, then quit gaming for yourself.
I have four children, all of which show varying degrees of interest in gaming. I'm not going to discourage it just like I wouldn't discourage any other hobby they showed interest in. The key is being a good parent and paying attention and spending time with your kids.
This trule is bizarro GAF.
KojiKnight
Member
As I said, it's all moderation. My daughter is almost 3 years old. She asks to play video games, yes... but she also asks to read books. She can count to 20, recite her ABCs, point out words she knows (the first time she read Game Over as actually just a couple days ago which is funny since that was likely one of the first words I read as well. I learned to read by playing and watching other people play Dragon Warrior (quest) 1), etc. We take time to teach her real world things, we go out to the store and I help her count out my change, we spend a lot of time with our family since they all live close.
On a gaming forum especially it's concerning that there are some people that truly view gaming as such a bad habit... something I should be shielding my daughter from, hiding her from it as long as possible. That's silly. The way to teach a child about ANYTHING is not to avoid it, but to let them experience it and to explain to them (yes, even at such a young age she may not understand it at first). Occasionally that means telling them "Okay, that's enough games for now" or "If you don't do what I say, no more games tonight." but it's hardly any different from saying "No more cookies tonight" or "No soda before bed time".
On a gaming forum especially it's concerning that there are some people that truly view gaming as such a bad habit... something I should be shielding my daughter from, hiding her from it as long as possible. That's silly. The way to teach a child about ANYTHING is not to avoid it, but to let them experience it and to explain to them (yes, even at such a young age she may not understand it at first). Occasionally that means telling them "Okay, that's enough games for now" or "If you don't do what I say, no more games tonight." but it's hardly any different from saying "No more cookies tonight" or "No soda before bed time".
transience
Member
My daughter is 5 and Jetpack Joyride has been the most positive experience I've found due to ultra simple controls and the quick reload when you mess up. We also play this shitty Disney Princess Wii game on occasion that she likes because there's Disney stuff in it. Most 'normal' games end in frustration due to fail states or controls being too complicated for her brain.
I'm waiting for the day when she has the motor skills to play a proper game. She hasn't had a very big interest in them so far though so I'm not going to push them on her unless she wants to do what I'm doing.
I'm waiting for the day when she has the motor skills to play a proper game. She hasn't had a very big interest in them so far though so I'm not going to push them on her unless she wants to do what I'm doing.