I’ve never identified as a “gamer,” but my partner, Alex, certainly does. Growing up, he immersed himself in everything from classic platformers to competitive shooters, while I was influenced by the common stereotypes surrounding gaming. You know the ones: video games foster violence in children, make them impatient, and, my personal favorite, lead to laziness.
When we found out we were expecting twins, Alex remarked, “Imagine how much joy it’ll bring to play video games with our kids!” While that was just one of the many things he looked forward to, it highlighted his enthusiasm for sharing this passion with them. To me, however, gaming seemed like a frivolous activity—a sentiment I often expressed, claiming video games offered nothing tangible in terms of achievement. But as I’ve witnessed our son’s growing obsession with gaming, I’ve had to reconsider my stance.
Though gaming isn’t my strong suit, watching him embrace this hobby is akin to sneaking in vegetables into a smoothie. Even non-educational games inadvertently teach valuable lessons. Researchers have observed that video games have transformed into “effective learning tools” over the decades. Adam Eichenbaum, Daphne Bavelier, and C. Shawn Green, psychologists specializing in perceptual learning, note in The American Journal of Play that while some studies caution against potential downsides, many recognize the positive benefits of gaming.
Of course, parental oversight and appropriate controls are crucial. Nevertheless, the online gaming landscape presents children with opportunities for social interaction. Multiplayer games encourage collaboration, fostering teamwork skills that can be invaluable in real-life scenarios.
Moreover, the reward systems in games—be it unlocking new features or receiving positive affirmation—are significant motivators for kids, helping them stay engaged even after setbacks. No child wants to face relentless challenges without the incentive to keep going, nor do they desire games that lack sufficient difficulty. In my brief experience as a “gamer” mom, I’ve realized that video games can adeptly balance these needs.
Even entry-level games allow users to adjust difficulty settings, keeping players engaged through various challenges. This design enables children to practice newly learned skills in different contexts, whether their objective is to finish a race, defeat enemies, or complete complex tasks. Video games nurture resourcefulness by enhancing problem-solving abilities.
To illustrate this concept, think of tying a knot. While there are multiple methods to achieve that goal, not every technique is the best fit for every situation. The goal remains consistent, but the pathways to achieving it can vary greatly.
The American Psychological Association highlights that strategic games, especially those with role-playing elements, can enhance problem-solving skills and improve academic performance. Action games not only sharpen these abilities but also teach multitasking.
In a recent NPR piece, writer Jenna Collins recounted her own experiences with learning through video games. She learned multiplication through an educational game, while another title provided her with an interactive history lesson.
While some may dismiss video games as mere distractions, it’s essential to recognize their potential. Far from being harmful, these digital experiences can improve hand-eye coordination, foster creativity, and even counteract cognitive decline in older adults. To many parents, including my former self, video games may seem trivial, but they are sources of pride for our children. If the only benefit of gaming was boosting my child’s self-esteem, it would be worth every minute.
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Summary
My views on video games have undergone a significant transformation. Initially, I saw them as a waste of time, but observing my child’s engagement has revealed their educational value. Research supports that video games can enhance learning, problem-solving, and social skills. As parents, we must recognize the potential benefits while ensuring safe gaming practices.