I’ve been in a few group conversations where moms sheepishly, almost shamefully admitted to it.
“Well, yes. Sometimes I let my kids play video games.”
As if they had handed their 6 year old a running circular saw or a sippy cup filled with antifreeze.
Please. It’s a video game, not a loaded pistol.
But that’s the kind of guilt being piled on parents today. As if they don’t have enough to worry about protecting their children from the onslaught of ideologies that run contrary to every value and principle they hold dear, now they’re also warned regularly that every amazing technology available today is awful for their children and destined to destroy their little minds and hearts and imaginations.
Sorry. I’m just not buying it.
Should parents be discerning in the video games they allow their children to play? Absolutely. Should they limit the time their kids spend playing them? No question.
But I’m not ashamed of the fact my kids play video games. Here are four reasons why:
Video games give my kids another indoor activity option
Yes, I want my children to read. Yes, I want them to play pretend and create with Legos and build forts and do art projects. In fact, they do all of those things a lot.
But I’m happy for the fact there is another indoor activity the kids can take advantage of on bad weather days when outside play isn’t an option.
Video games encourage creativity and imagination
Now I realize not all video games do this, but there is no question some do. I am amazed at the things my children build on Minecraft — beautiful, detailed creations that require a great deal of thought, planning, and problem-solving. This is not a mindless video game where kids check in and their brains check out while they play. In fact, the exact opposite is true!
But even in other games that aren’t necessarily designed to be educational, I’m always amused at the way my children play with the characters like they are virtual action figures. They aren’t merely trying to beat the game — they’re playing pretend with the characters on screen, making up their own stories and creating fun with their virtual “toys”.
Video games introduce them to digital devices
Just because I grew up not needing to know how to operate a digital device doesn’t mean my kids don’t need to know how to do it. They will be exposed to similar technologies and will be expected to know how to use them.
Now there’s no question they can develop the knowledge later in their lives, but it will definitely be a slower, more fumbling process, as just about anyone from the older generation will tell you. Kids exposed to these technologies can pick up on them at amazing speed and even transfer their knowledge between devices very easily and almost instinctively.
It does matter that they know how to do this stuff, and I’m glad they can learn it in a fun way.
Video games are a great family activity
Honestly, this is probably the thing I love most about video games. My kids love playing video games together and I love it when I hear them laughing hilariously and enjoying their time together. They love to race one another and have building competitions between them, and they love creating stories. And they especially love it when they can get Mom and Dad involved!
………………………………………….
Listen, I’m all for caution: I encourage parents to be discerning in the games they choose for their children and the restrictions they place upon time spent gaming. Moms and dads should also be ready to turn those games OFF and implement even stronger restrictions if a child breaks rules or seems especially obsessed with any video game.
But I don’t think parents should live in guilt because they let their children play video games. Anything can be done in excess. The important thing is not allowing the excess to happen, and to enjoy the wonders of video gaming in a safe, reasonable, family-friendly way.
You’ll find this post linked up with some of these great blogs:
This is what I have been saying for several years. I have been a mama for 23 years, 5 children. For many years I would proudly share that we didnt have a t.v, or watch t.v, etc. I have seen it really be a prideful thing to some Christian, homeschooling families. But I finally realized– IT IS THE CONTENT OF WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING. It can be educating..even (oh no!) tastefully entertaining! It’s ok for our children to sit on the computer “researching” but not watch a biblically sound show on a different “screen”? I think it’s wonderful you tackled this post..haha We had a game system many years ago..but we got rid of it. Our children have asked for another one. Not begged or harrased us, they would just like one and understand there will, of course, be guidelines. Just as we have for books, movies, music, etc.
I would like to add..my husband ( a true blue believer;) has never been particularly concerned with us having a t.v. Of course, he has guarded content. It was ME and other MOMS that I now see had the bragging (prideful) sin associated with that.
God bless…I am fairly new..but love your blog.
Mrs.O
I absolutely agree that consistency is KEY! Our inconsistencies in some of these areas can make us look incredibly foolish both to the world AND to our kids. People today have such easy access to so many forms of information and entertainment and teaching self-control and discernment is more effective and practical than trying to condemn it ALL in a way that ends up being vague and inconsistent.
I’m so glad you found my blog! Hope you’ll keep stopping by!
I grew up being taught that video games as a whole were bad. We now own a Wii system and my kids love playing Mario Kart and bowling on it. Not sure how that could be a bad thing unless they sit in front of it all day!
Exactly! I think virtually anything can be done in excess. Honestly, video games are not my thing…I don’t personally enjoy them, but when I see my kids having so much fun together playing a game, it’s hard for me to view it as anything but a GOOD THING for our family.
So glad you stopped by today, Hannah!
I love this. I let my kids play and try so hard not to roll my eyes at those parents that “confess” to me that their kids play. I may feel like my kids play too much but when i think of all the times we are outside, or out of the house on field trips and learning I realize that they’re pretty well- balanced and that’s all that matters.
Being balanced makes all the difference. We go through times of bad weather or sickness when I let them play more, and then there are times when we’re busy or it’s too pretty to be indoors and they don’t get to play at all! ANY activity can get out of hand if we allow it to. The important thing is keeping these things in check and monitoring them as any careful and conscientious parent should.
Thank you for reading!
I agree, everything in moderation of course, and it depends on what games… but… YES.
Great post.. thank you.
Found you on Inspire me Monday! Please check out my post 🙂
http://www.danielclaybrook.com/im-not-alone-moms-rock-network-marketing/
Moderation. In all things moderation.
I’ll be sure to visit! Thanks for dropping by, Lyndsey!
I really appreciate your willingness to post on a subject that might just rock the boat a little.
Video games have been a part of our family entertainment options for a long time. My grown boys, now 22 and 20 went through a phase where they liked to play a lot – so we had to make an effort to be sure to balance outside/inside/school/chores time with X-Box time. Some might have been uncomfortable with the amount of time they spent on it, (which really wasn’t a lot, but to some it may have been.) but all that to say, they are , thoughtful, responsible college students with not a hint of teen-video-obsession-“disorder” (haha)
Maintaining a balance is important. And being aware enough to notice it if a child seems to be taking the gaming a little too seriously! I think things like that can go a long way toward keeping video games in their proper place in the home.
You give me hope, Carol! Contrary to what some may seem to imply, all kids who play video games do NOT turn out screen-obsessed! 😉
Sooooo true! This is exactly how we feel in this house. The kids just love the Disney Infinity games. They love collecting the characters and creating their own unique worlds for them. Same thing we as kids did, just digitally. Another benefit is my kids love them so much that they are willing to work hard to earn extra money to save up for their characters. Thanks so much for posting what I have been thinking all along!
My kids are fairly new to Disney Infinity and we just found out Disney plans to stop producing it! 🙁 Your kids sound exactly like mine…they love collecting the figures and then playing with them in all sorts of fun ways. Wish I could have done some of that when I was a kid!
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Catherine!