Kids playing video games. A highly debated topic that most parents just choose to agree to disagree on.
I have two boys, so of course, they love to play video games. Minecraft and Fortnite are a couple of their favorites.
If you were to ask me about my opinion on my kids playing video games about 8 years ago it would sound very different from my opinion today. I use to be very against the idea of my children playing video games. It even took me a couple of years before I let my oldest watch TV for the first time, that’s how strict I once was.
The door to the electronic world was opened, for my oldest child, by his grandparents. They 
purchased a LeapPad tablet for Christmas for him and there has been no turning back since then.
When my son first received his Minecraft game he was thrilled! Then for the first time ever he asked me to play a video game with him. He was so excited to show me what he had been working on in his game. So, I decided to try it out, and find out what the hype was all about.
I have never been a gamer. I am not even any good at video games. However, there was something about playing Minecraft with my son that made gaming enjoyable.
I started to notice the positive side of playing video games.
My son learned how to teach.
It had been years since I had played any PlayStation games. My son had to start from the very beginning and explain how everything worked, even the controller. He did a great job slowing down and explaining all the details of the complex game.
He has shown patience and teamwork.
My son can navigate a game very quickly but would take his time to help me out when I am stuck and put the game on an easier level so I have a chance. He is even patient when his little brother wants to attempt to play.
My son learned responsibility.
We do have some rules surrounding playing video games. One being that all chores and homework must be completed before any games are played. My son has gotten very good at staying on top of his chores and completing his work, without a fuss, since he knows he cannot play games until he is done.
He has found a new interest.
My son has really formed a strong interest in all things electronics and technology. He is very fascinated about the history of technology, loves to learn about how things work, and wants to gain more knowledge about computer coding. He would love to create a computer program or video game.
It’s an activity we can enjoy together.
I might not be all that great at Minecraft but my son has fun playing with me and I’ve noticed I enjoy the time when I am 100% focused on playing the game with him. When I play with my son, I am not busy working, cleaning the house, and my phone isn’t in my hand. I have actually found games to be relaxing because its just a little break from what’s going on in the world.
There might never be an exact answer to the great debate about kids playing video games. But if playing video games is one of your kids’ favorite activities, why not join them?
