Video Games

Video Games

What do you think of when you think of video games? Do you think, "waste of time?" "Negative influence?" "Too much screen time?" "Frustration and discord between parents and kids?"

Maybe you enjoy video games but feel the shame that our society has stigmatized them with if you play "too much" or after you've become "too old"?

I don't really play video games, but they have become an important part of my joy in life. I am so thankful that I was willing to take another look, to try to understand the reasons my kids were so absorbed with them. I now see the value they can bring to family relationships and individual growth.

When I chose to pay attention to, rather than just put up with, my kids' video game playing, I realized that video games can nurture sibling bonds, holding fast despite long-distance and large age gaps. They foster art and music appreciation, and encourage creative expression in the forms of writing, drawing, vocal and instrumental performance, and acting. They increase critical thinking and problem solving skills. They develop the ability to achieve collaborative solutions. And they make our wide world a little smaller by connecting people around the world in networks based on common interests.

As I listen to my kids talk to each other about their games, work together or compete with one another on certain tasks, challenge each other to learn to sing or play a piece of music that inspires them during game play, or hear them chatting online with friends from Australia, Brazil, and other places far away from ours, I am amazed at what a blessing video games have been for us.

There is so much more to video games than I ever thought possible. If you struggle with a loved one's fascination with them, I encourage you to take another look. Open your eyes and mind to the magic they possess.