5 Reasons Why Parents Should Let the Kids Play Video Games

Gaming gets a bad reputation all the time and parents think that it is something that kids should avoid at all. Common misconceptions about gaming include neglecting their studies and becoming a socially awkward kid.

However, gaming is a normal part of modern childhood. It has been a regular part of students’ lives, whether they play on desktop computers or cellphones. A recent discussion at Stanford University stated that gaming can be an educational tool that will provide opportunities for deeper learning.

Gaming can help the children to develop certain life skills. In order to avoid addiction to games, parents and educators can also help in choosing appropriate leisure-time games for the kids.

Now, let’s discuss the benefits of video games for students:

1. Video games can teach problem-solving skills and creativity.

Video games can really help in the development of kids’ brain. In the game Legend of Zelda, the kids can acquire skills like searching, negotiating, planning (the battle), and using different approaches to level up.

Don’t Miss: 4 Reasons Why PS4 Is Crushing The Xbox One

There are other video games like Call of Duty that needs to customize the character’s looks and that’s where creativity comes in the picture. The customization of the character’s appearance allows the self-expression and emphasizing the interests of the kids.

2. Video games can be a way to gain new friends.

Contrary to the popular belief that gaming can make the kids socially awkward, it can be a social activity. These days, video games help kids to build a common ground for friendship. They hang out often and exchange thoughts about the games; even helping each other to level up.

Young boys tend to play video games with a group of friends and it frequently becomes their favorite topic for conversation.

3. Video games can spark an interest to learn more about culture and history

There have been a lot of stories presented in each game, more often than not, they are based on history. It may be about the French Revolution or the Asian Civilization.

One good example is the real-time strategy game Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War that features four playable civilizations: Persia, Greece, Egypt, and Rome.

Another video game that has a history backdrop is Assassin’s Creed (AS). It is a historical fiction action-adventure open world stealth video game series, according to Wikipedia. They have Assassin’s Creed Unity where the setting is in Paris during the French Revolution and the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China where the lead character needs to survive the game in Shao Jun in 16th century China.

These video games teach the kids about culture and geography. They can even acquire some complex language that may be helpful in their language classes in the future.

4. Video games allow the children to share the friendly competition.

Normally, young boys compete with their friends to get some status and recognition for their gaming skills. They can fully express whatever competitive urges they have in playing video games and eventually boosts their confidence.

5. Video games can provide a chance for the kids to teach other peers.

Although there are times that children only played a specific part of the game, they gain a chance to teach other kids how to play it. Most of the time, kids are able to have an interaction with their peers about directions in the game map, or how to collect gems/points they need, or other tricks in order to advance on the level.

Video games can play a powerful tool for brain development and life skills of the children. Parents only need to guide them from time to time. They can even play with the kids in order to have a good bonding time.

This article was written by Elizabeth Terry,  a cinephile and video game enthusiast. She likes Assassin’s Creed and Super Mario Bros. Eliz divides her time between academic stuff and researcher at edugeeksclub.com. You can follow her at Google+.

Hot:

20% Off! Grab Latest Deals