How to control the use of video games for children
Kids love to play video games, and these have been proven to be an excellent educational tool. However, spending too much time on games can be harmful as it is, playing those that aren’t age-appropriate. Here are some practical strategies you can take to amicably control the use of video games and help them understand the importance of doing so.
How to control video game usage for kids (and remain to be friends)
1. Create better opportunities
You can make your kids feel the need to control their time spent on video games even without having to tell them. If you subtly put other opportunities on their radars to recreate themselves in healthier activities, they will hardly waste them.
For example, you can encourage him to organize other games, sports, and outdoor activities with his friends. It creates opportunities for you to socialize on other forms of recreation, especially in the schedules you usually occupy to play.
2. Play with your children
Your kids may think you don’t understand how fun video games are and that for this reason, you warn them of the time they invest. To make it clear that you understand them, you’ll need to sit next to them and spend wise time playing.
This will not only allow you to better understand him and know other facets of his personality (competitiveness, humility, willingness to teach), but he will be more willing to listen to you and reason with you about the just time he should spend.
In addition to this, you will see if what they play is appropriate to their age, because there are times we think it is, but we hear dialogues or do things that at that time we detect that it is not right for our son -a.
3. Negotiate the rules and times
Imposing and negotiating are two diametrically opposed things, and the results confirm that. If you give them the opportunity to set out their conditions, they will be more comfortable with the treatment they have. Remember: if they feel they won the negotiation, they will respect all the conditions that are on the table.
For example, they may end up negotiating an hour a day, in exchange for a few duties and trades. They may negotiate with their qualifications, conduct, punctuality, and even dress, and between the conditions, there must be punishments for non-compliance. At the end of the day, their bonds of trust will be significantly strengthened.
Should I stop my children from playing video games?
The answer to this question belongs to each parent and each circumstance at home is different. But to make the best decision, it is important to have all the variables on your hands:
Some video games are harmful. There is no specific list marked as “fit games” or “inappropriate games” depending on your age. But you can evaluate next to him before
buying or downloading them
the content of the game, perhaps watching some videos and reading reviews about it. In this sense, both may be asked:
- Does this game motivate violence?
- Does it convey a right and positive message, or distort reality?
- Does it contain educational material?
- What category are you in?
- Is it an online game, and if so, what kind of people will you relate to?
Video games are pedagogical tools. Various studies and reliable sources have proven that video games benefit children in learning. These benefits include:
- They improve their reading and ability to interpret what they read
- Improve your spatial skills
- Help them in problem solving and decision-making
- Encourage your creativity and imagination
- Helps them develop their social integration, especially when it comes to online video games
When and how much should they play?
Although during the evenings is when young people have more free time, it is important to take care that the blue light of electronic devices could harm them. One measure you can take in your agreement is to avoid playing video games after dinner and before bedtime.
Ideally, you can invest a few hours of play during the day or late afternoon, after you’ve finished your schoolwork and at home.
As for the time you could spend, it’s also important to set limits. If your child is between 5 and 12 years old, according to the American Pediatric Association, he or she can play a maximum of one to two hours a day. In many player forums, most young people say they invest on average just under 2 hours a day.
Video games can be a means to stimulate the skills and abilities of your children. They can also be a bridge to fulfilling their duties, teaching them to negotiate and respect conditions, and an opportunity to share with them and earn their trust. If you make a reasonable agreement to protect them from inappropriate video games and to invest too much time in this kind of entertainment, things will go very well.
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