As a mom of four children between the ages of 9 and 14 and the Head of Parenting at Kidas, I understand the importance of fostering responsible gaming habits in our children.

In this article, I will share some valuable tips on how moms can have a more involved role in evolving a responsible gamer as well as the importance of educating yourself on the games your child enjoys, how to set boundaries, the importance of communication and why you should consider using parental controls.

Education

The first step in helping your children become responsible gamers is to understand the gaming world. For many who grew up before video games became an integral part of the adolescent experience, online gaming is unfamiliar and can feel confusing and overwhelming. However, taking the time to learn more about the games your kids play is essential.

Take some time to learn about the game, the way they interact with others, both inside and outside of the game online, as well as the potential risks associated with gaming. This knowledge will not only help you connect with your children but also enable you to make informed decisions regarding their gaming activities. There are many articles online, blogs, and reviews that can help you educate yourself.

A helpful first step is to start by checking the age rating of the game your child is interested in to ensure it is appropriate for their age and maturity level. Remember, the world of gaming is constantly evolving, and new games and platforms are emerging all the time. Stay informed about the latest trends, games, and potential risks.

Set Boundaries

Just like everything else when it comes to children, establishing clear boundaries is crucial. A growing trend that is helping families set gaming boundaries are tech contracts. These contracts between parents and kids can help guide the conversation on boundaries for gaming, as well as holding everyone accountable.

Parents can define limits on screen time, the types of games they are allowed to play and not play, as well as when they can play. Collaborate with your children to create these rules, and make sure they understand why these boundaries exist.

Engage in their Gaming World

One of the most effective ways to connect with your kids is to take an active interest in their gaming world. Take the time to sit down and play video games with them. Ask them questions about the game, the characters, and the gaming community.

You may be surprised by how much they know about the games, the educational benefits of the games, and how much pleasure they get from playing. This not only builds a stronger parent-child bond but also gives you insights into their gaming experiences and habits.

Encourage Critical Thinking

Gaming is a great way to teach your child critical thinking skills while they game. Children don’t play video games just to pass the time. In fact, most children enjoy the critical thinking involved in conquering each level and planning their strategy.

Discuss in-game decisions, strategies and outcomes with them. This will help them become more analytical, strategic and responsible players.

Use Parental Control Tools

As involved as you may be, it’s challenging to do it all on your own. Leveraging parental control software like Kidas or other monitoring tools can help you keep your child safer while they play online and offer you some peace of mind.

Parental control software can alert you to potential threats to enable you to keep your child safe and ensure age-appropriate gaming experiences.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

Create an open and non-judgemental environment where your child feels comfortable talking to you about their online experiences. While there is a lot of good that comes from gaming, such as educational experiences, building critical thinking skills, social connection, and more, there is also negativity online.

If encountered, kids will need support to handle it appropriately. Encourage them to share any concerns or issues they encounter while gaming so that you can find a solution together.

Teach Online Etiquette

In addition to responsible gaming, it’s important to educate your child about online etiquette. Teach them to be respectful, kind, and considerate of others, whether they are gaming or communicating online. Talk to your child about potential situations they may face online and ask them what they would do.

For example, share a scenario about witnessing cyberbullying in a gaming chat and ask what their next steps would be. This is a good way for you to see where your child needs support, as well as opening their eyes to potential situations in a proactive manner.

Reward Responsible Behavior

Positive reinforcement goes a long way. When you see your children practicing responsible gaming and online behavior, acknowledge and reward their efforts.

It’s important to seek out positive behavior, as it can sometimes be easy to overlook. This will help motivate your child to continue making positive choices online.

Conclusion

Being a parent of avid gamers can be a rewarding and educational experience. By taking an active role in their gaming lives, setting boundaries and using safe gaming technology, you can help your child evolve into a responsible gamer who can navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Your involvement and guidance are crucial in shaping your child’s online gaming habits and ensuring their overall well-being in the digital age.

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