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Why Kids Should Be Gamers! 6 Practical Benefits

by guest blogger, Mo Mulla


video gamersVideo Gamers Do Have Benefits!

It’s not unusual for kids of all ages to adore video games. Having your kids “glued” to the screen, when they need to be getting ready for bed is a regular parenting nightmare. We’ve all been there with our video gamers glued to their television and generally find it a headache to pull them off. Doing it without warning can lead to severe mood swings and temper tantrums for kids of all ages. 

It’s a well-established fact that games come in all shapes and sizes. From play kitchens and magic set boxes for indoor play to nerf guns and toddler slides for outdoor play. Different types of games are important to keep kids’ brains stimulated and improve cognitive development.

However, surprisingly, there are significant benefits to playing video games and in this short article, we will reveal some of the most compelling.   

 

Here are six shocking benefits of playing video games.

 

_ Promotes Reading

Research shows that children who play video games could get a small boost to their reading skills. This is one thing your video gamers don’t realize. It is true even for kids who have a hard time reading and those who just play action games. Studies show that this link could be due to the need to read manual instructions while playing and navigating through the game. 

Correctly reading instructions is essential to moving to the next stages of any game, so to advance through the game your kid will be forced to read. Additionally, playing online games could be a smart way to transition those kids that struggle to read books but will happily open a laptop or tablet to read through a website on their favorite gaming character.  Of course, reading is essential for kids, and nothing will replace a hardback book.

 

_ Spatial Abilities

Many games are set in 3D virtual environments that kids have to operate and steer. Usually, with these games, there are no maps to help guide the way. This means that your young video gamers who play these games have the opportunity to practice visual-spatial abilities. This can lead to a greater perception of distance and space. It is a very acute skill that all children can strengthen by playing common video games. 

 

_ General Problem-Solving

Every video game includes a simple or complex challenge. Some games can be senseless, like Pac Man, but many others are complicated with detailed maps, mazes, and mysteries to uncover. These problems are usually very intricate and will help to increase your child’s general problem-solving skills. 

Moreover, some researches support the idea that playing video games develop planning, organization, and resilient thinking, which are all crucial for effective mental development. However, it’s important not to go overboard here as there is little to no evidence to support the idea that “train the brain”  games actually have a positive impact in the real world.  

 

_ Social Bonds

Some kids have difficulty fitting in and socializing in the real. Video games are a manageable and real way to make friends and connect with people who share your interest. This virtual getaway allows kids to have virtual playdates with other video gamers. Furthermore, Video games, are a hot topic and it’s not uncommon for the release of new games to be a trending topic in school. This allows all types of kids to socialize in a mutually friendly way and can ease social tension. 

However, it’s important to remember that if your child struggles to make friends in real life they may still find it hard to find their “tribe” online. There are no guarantees, but video games do give them an additional platform to socialize that was not always there. 

 

_ Boost Imagination and Strengthens Creativity

Young kids love to play and find interesting and exciting ways to constantly use their imagination. But for teenagers, it can be more of a struggle to break free and be spontaneous if other kids won’t accept you. Video games allow kids to keep the imagination around play alive and allow your kids to express themself in a safe and meaningful way.

 

_ Video Gaming Jobs

Gaming pays a lot more than it used to. In fact, a 16-year-old who won the first Fortnite Global World Cup competition won an eye-watering $3 million! Gaming is transforming the economy as more kids seek out lucrative careers in coding, gaming technology, and unique mobile phone gaming apps. 

In general, the video gaming industry is moving much faster than regular sports and entertainment as more kids learn, interact, and socialize with other kids, all from the comfort of home. 

 

While video games will never replace the one on one attention all children need, it’s an important part of self-expression and learning. It can prove to be a generous stepping stone into a variety of online opportunities. 

   


Mo Mulla is a work from home dad who enjoys reading and listening to music. He loves being a dad and husband to a growing family. He loves writing about his passions and hopes to change the world, 1 blog post at a time! You can find his parenting blog here: www.ParentalQuestions.com


We do believe in checking each game your child wants to play. Please check out these informative blogs we have done in the past!

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2 Comments
  • Duane Smith
    Posted at 14:58h, 22 November Reply

    There are some good points made here. We need to also be aware of the downside. Many video games use Wi-Fi technology. The more we can protect our families from EMF exposure the better. A second issue is the potential for addiction. Charles Knutson spoke about this issue.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuoYDlkAwRo

    It is so important for parents to be tuned into what their children are doing. They may need to intervene if video games becomes more of a liability than a benefit.

    • CCM Team
      Posted at 03:45h, 23 November Reply

      Yes, we absolutely agree with that.

      We do like to highlight some of the positive aspects of gaming when it is utilized properly!

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