Almost all families will have a child who wants a video game system at one point or another in their childhood. And while you might prefer for your child to spend their time in some other pursuit, there can be some healthy and constructive things that your son or daughter can learn or experience through video games. The trick with this is to ensure that you’re facilitating play in the right way. So to help with this, here are three tips for giving your kids their first video game system.
Choosing The Right Console
The first thing you and your child are going to have to figure out together is what the right console will be to purchase for your child. According to Kelley Crosbie, a contributor to Parenting.com, your decision will likely be based on both the age and the interest of your child. When your child is particularly young, you should opt for a console that’s more learning-based and not as complicated. But as your child gets older, you might want to consider getting a more mainstream console, like an XBox, PlayStation, Nintendo, or iPad.
Check The Age Ratings On Games
After you’ve picked the best console for your child, you’ll then want to get him or her the actual games to play with. This is where things can get complicated. Certain video games have a bad reputation for being violent or overall inappropriate, especially for young children to play. But luckily, there are plenty of games meant to be played by young children and are totally appropriate for them to be exposed to. The best way to know if a game will be right for your child to be playing, according to Ellie Gibson, a contributor to The Guardian, is to check the age ratings on the games. Once you’ve found one that encompasses the age of your child, which can go down to three-years-old, you can check online reviews to see what other parents say about the actual game.
Create Healthy Boundaries and Gaming Limits
One of the hardest, yet best things you can do for your kids who are interested in video games is to set healthy boundaries for their play. According to Ben Kuchera, a contributor to Ars Technica, setting time limits for how long your children should play each day or each week can help ensure their lives have balance. Additionally, you should also do what you can to still have a focus on your child’s health while he or she is playing video games in that you ensure they are using a comfortable gaming chair that reduces stress and strain on their joints and muscles.
If you’re able to get your child his or her first video game console, consider using the tips mentioned above to help make this transition go off without a hitch.
