As a host of new video games are set to launch over the next few months, children’s list of priorities and Christmas wish lists will no doubt include video games, which may leave some parents wondering how they can ensure their kids stay safe, happy and healthy.
We’re sharing a list of our top five tips to ensure gaming can be a fun and safe on-screen activity for your kids to enjoy, helping parents relax and enjoy some extra me-time themselves.
Be there to support
Gaming is by and large a safe and fun exercise, and even more so when parents are there for their children. To ensure kids are properly supervised, parents can keep gaming devices and consoles in a central place in the home. It’s also important to check in on them, which lets them know you’re there to support them with any tricky situations, like a puzzle or tactical battle.
Gaming is not always easy – which is one of the great benefits of it – so being there to support them with challenging situations and instructions is a great way to get involved.
Opt for family friendly options
There are plenty of games for people to choose from in 2022 but as a parent, how exactly do you choose games you can trust are right for your children, no matter their age?
Consider opting for an offline game that’s designed for all ages. Family friendly games are as the name suggests – they’re perfect for the whole family. The new Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is an example of a game that is easy enough to pick up for children but offers puzzle challenges that will appeal to people of all ages, meaning everyone can join in for some safe, family fun.
Rethink what screen time means
Rethink what screen time means and encourage children to instead opt for better screen time activities. Whether it’s working on an online puzzle or engaging in a tactical contest, screen time can instead be transformed into an opportunity to educate and develop skills. In fact, gaming has even proven to have a number of positive benefits, such as improving motor skills and coordination.
Ask questions
Getting involved in the fun is the best way to monitor your children’s safety and also have some fun yourself. A great way to do this is to ask about their experiences, what they’ve learnt and any challenges they’ve faced while playing.
Here are some handy questions to ask as a spectator when your kids come to play new games:
- Why did you pick those characters for your team?
- What is your preferred tactic during battles?
- Who are your favourite characters and why?
- How did you solve that challenge?
By getting involved, you can also validate your child’s hobby and show an active interest in their lives and the things they enjoy.
Strike a balance
When it comes to gaming, there is no perfect duration for a session, although the time per session should not be detrimental to basic needs. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope allows for quick puzzles of 10 minutes, while stimulating quests can stretch from 15 to 45 minutes. Everything is best in moderation so ensure you allow time for your children to balance a host of activities, helping them to strike the right balance of education, health and of course, fun.
The new Ubisoft and Nintendo game Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is out now. Read the parent’s guide for the game here.