Helping Your Kids Use Video Games In A Healthy Way

Helping Your Kids Use Video Games in a Healthy Way

According to a recent report from Business Insider, there are roughly 80 million monthly Fortnite users. That statistic is hard to believe, but it goes to show how pervasive video games are in today’s culture.

As a parent in the 21st century, chances are pretty high that you have a child who plays video games regularly. While we certainly don’t have all the answers, we do have a few ideas on how you can help your child use video games in a healthy way.

1) Ask Them What They Think Is Appropriate

Things can quickly become heated when talking about video game use (especially how much time is acceptable to play). But have you ever asked your child how much time they think they should be able to play video games? Obviously you have the final say in the matter, but by giving your child the space to voice their opinion, they will have to actually think through what is best for them. Hopefully this will lead to fruitful conversations about ownership and how you can encourage your child to own the outcome with the different responsibilities in their life.

2) Help Them Consider Trade Offs

Help your child understand that there are trade offs when it comes to their most precious asset—time. By choosing to play video games in allotted discretionary time, there are other things they won’t able to do. If they want to be a great student, football player, or musician, they may need to trade some video game time in the pursuit of that other thing.

Many of the most successful people in the world are radically committed to their craft (the world’s great entrepreneurs, athletes, and academics) and pursue them with purpose. While your child probably doesn’t know their life calling yet, considering trade offs will help them begin to think about what they really value and want to pursue.

3) Talk About The Long Run

During the middle school years, it can be challenging to think about the long term. But at Champion Tribes, we think it’s incredibly important to begin with the end in mind and consider the lasting impact you would like to have with your life.

Talking about impact and legacy with your child will highlight the things that are truly important in life. Hopefully your child will begin to understand that while getting 10 Fortnite wins in a month is fantastic, it doesn’t have much lasting impact in their life.

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