It is a never-ending struggle to get children out of the game they play, so why not get into their world and understand what they are doing?
Intimidating as it sounds, it is not too difficult to connect with your gaming children. Here are three tips to help you get started:
1. Read up on your own about the games your child is playing
Before asking your child about the game, try finding out more information about the game that they are playing on Google first. Gamers appreciate the efforts parents take to understand the games they like, although they might not show it.
For a start, you can try finding out:
- Introduction of the game in the form of YouTube videos. Game developers usually upload short videos to explain simply what the game is about.
- The goal of the game.
- Top teams/ famous streamer for that game title.
2. Talk to your child about what you learnt about the games they are playing
Find an opportunity to start a conversation with your child by talking about what you learnt about their games. Your care for them is shown through your interest in finding out more about the games that are important to them. As they start to open up, they might end up sharing a lot about the game and what they do in it. Don’t worry if you can’t keep up with the new gaming information, gamers don’t expect you to know everything. To have someone who is willing listen to them share about the games they love is important to them.
Warning: Avoid having this conversation while they are playing their games. They are too focused in the game to spare you any attention as you are a distraction to the game. This is similar to a child asking you questions to start a conversation about your favourite movie while you are watching it.
3. Ask your child to teach you how to play their game
Another way to engage your child effectively is to ask them to teach you how to play their game. Persist when they try to talk you out of it. Don’t worry about getting it wrong or not being good at it. The key is to have fun with your child!
Try them out!
We hope these three simple suggestions can help improve relationship between parent and child. Instead of allowing games to create a gap or topic of tension, use games to close up the gap to have interesting conversations and even fun.
