And the only way to get to the top is…practice. (And cheating, but NO ONE likes a cheater).
Top Tip: For many kids, gaming can be a source of confidence. Recognise – and acknowledge – your young gamer’s passion and show them your support for their favourite pastime.
Online Buddies
Credit: UNILAD Gaming]
Don’t assume your young gamer is playing all on their lonesome.
Ever heard of a squad?
It’s a group of gamers – usually friends – who team up and play alongside each other in an online game.
They have shared objectives, goals and the desire to win.
Most of the time squad members are school friends and family, but anyone can be invited.
And great friendships – and camaraderie – exist online!
At the same time, one must be mindful of online dangers.
To better understand cyber-bullying and online predators, check out these great tips!
Remember, it’s ok to ask your kids about their online friends. For example, who’s really good at the game, what other things are their friends interested in, and how they met them.
And if they’re local friends from school or youth groups, why not suggest having them over for a gaming tournament? That way you can get to know their gaming buddies in person, too.
Top Tip: Remind your young gamer to stay safe online. Report instances of cyberbullying, don’t give out personal details and discourage meeting up with online friends offline.
Credit: UNILAD Gaming
Gamer Rage
No young gamer likes to admit to this.
But parents know gamer rage affects the entire family.
I’d encourage you not to take it personally.
At the end of the day, it’s just a frustrated outburst.
You see, gamers take great pride in their gaming. And when they’re playing below par, some get worked up.
That being said, some types of games are more likely to trigger gamer rage than others. (Think online first-person shooters).
And some personality types are more susceptible to gamer rage in the first place.
Generally speaking, the faster-paced the game, the great the chances of gamer rage.
And when the learning curve is steep, gaming can quickly go from fun to frustrating.
Give your young gamer the time and space to vent.
But verbal abuse, physical violence or damaging property is an absolute no-no.
Top Tip: Be sure only to allow your young gamer age-appropriate titles and pay attention to their behaviour after playing. Reduce time spent on those games that bring on gamer rage.
P.S. End screen time struggles, homework hassles and chore wars!
When you die or are incapacitated in some way, but the game hasn’t ended, you have the opportunity to respawn.
By respawn, we mean to have another turn. (Or a life).
Depending on the game, there may be unlimited respawn opportunities or strict limits placed on them.
And there are usually delays – typically lasting between 10 seconds to 1 minute – between each respawn.
When a gamer is not in the game, they’re missing out.
And if they’re out of the game for too long, your young gamer might even get booted out!
So, gamers try to minimise AFK – Away From Keyboard – wherever possible.
Which can lead parents to observe some odd behaviours in when they’re kids are gaming.
Bathroom breaks are dispatched in mere moments (with little regard to accuracy).
Snacks must be consumed in seconds to avoid putting down their controllers for long.
If you see an activity done at 3x speed, chances are your young gamer is waiting to respawn.
Top Tip: Bathroom breaks can’t be avoided, but you can definitely discourage your young gamer from eating while gaming. (And controllers will stay free of chocolate fingerprints).
Saved Games & Screen Time
Credit: UNILAD Gaming
When you’re gaming, time simply disappears.
It can be all too easy to spend 1, 2, 3 hours+ gaming.
But you’re having so much fun, you don’t want it to end.
You know staring at screens is bad for your eyes. (Remember the myopia scare).
And it doesn’t matter that parents tell you time and time again you’re spending too much time on screens.
Right now it’s you and the game.
When it comes to screen time and gaming, learning self-control can take time to master.
Consider these two important points when asking your child to come off screens:
Some games can’t be saved at a moment’s notice. You may have to reach a specific location, meet an objective or finish a race before you can save your progress.
Some games have allocated times for each round. If you leave early, chances are you won’t get the experience or achievements you were awarded that round.
Both of these things are a BIG deal for gamers.
Top Tip: Encourage your child to schedule their gaming around important daily activities – like chores and homework – and agree sensible time limits before playing.
Become Player #2
You may have noticed that games consoles have inputs for a second controller. (And a third and a fourth).
So why not make use of it?
Sure, this blog has given you some inside knowledge on why gaming matters so much to your young gamer.
But you can also discover this all for yourself!
Pick up the controller and challenge your child to a game.
Kids love it when you show an interest in their hobbies – especially when they can teach YOU something.
And you’ll be learning from the very best!
What’s more, playing computer games with your child can be quality family time.
And with 2 or more controllers, the whole family can get involved!
Challenge each other to duels, races and more…
While learning first-hand about the games your kids are playing.
They’ll appreciate and respect you because you are respecting them and their interests.
And you might discover there’s an inner-gamer in you too!
Credit: UNILAD Gaming
Parting words
Gaming isn’t going away.
If anything, it’s having a renaissance!
There are international shows, competitions and more.
