D i g i t a l P a r e n t i n g
D i g i t a l P a r e n t i n g
P. 1 6 | m y. t l i f e . J u l y 2 0 2 3
GAMING EMPOWERS YOUR CHILD’S
SKILLS AND CREATIVITY
Boosts strategic thinking, teamwork and
communicating skills
Fosters creativity and imagination
As a parent, you may feel concerned about your child’s gaming activities. Obviously, it is important to manage screen time
to avoid any possible physical or psychological impact. However, it is also important to be aware of the empowering aspects
that gaming can have. In fact, it can be a valuable tool in shaping your child’s development in the digital age, improving their
skills and fostering their creativity. We share some of the main benefits here.
Gaming provides a unique platform for learning and developing skills. Through the use of engaging problem-solving
scenarios, strategic thinking and decision-making, gaming helps to develop critical thinking skills, adaptability and
the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives. Multiplayer games also encourage teamwork, collaborating
and communicating effectively. These skills are highly transferable and can benefit your child academically and in
real-life situations.
Contrary to popular belief, gaming can inspire and nurture your child’s imaginative thinking. Many games provide
opportunities for your child to design and create their own worlds. Games like Minecraft, which some describe as digital
LEGO, is particularly recognized worldwide and across generations for this. Bonus: it is also kid-friendly. World of Warcraft,
RimWorld, Stardew Valley or Roblox are best suited for teens but just the same fosters imagination, artistic expression, and
storytelling abilities. Furthermore, some games encourage thinking outside the box, solving puzzles, and exploring open-
world environments, igniting curiosity and sparking innovative ideas, turning your kids into solution-finders.
Improves cognitive development
Gaming can positively impact your child’s cognitive
abilities. Certain games require quick reflexes, hand-
eye coordination, and fine motor skills. By engaging in
gameplay, your child can improve their motor skills, spatial
awareness, and coordination. Research also suggests
that certain types of video games can enhance memory,
attention, and problem-solving skills, contributing to
overall cognitive development.
A study of more than 2,000 kids showed some beneficial
changes in their brains and behaviour brought about by
gaming. It found that parts of the brain “that are highly
involved in working memory and attention and problem
solving” were more active in gamers. The fact that playing
games requires fast-paced processing of a lot of various
types of information within a very short amount of time is
one of the main reasons for this.
How to harness the benefits of gaming for your
children?
Now that you know the benefits of gaming, you want to know how to harness it for your children. We answer
your question. The most important thing to keep in mind is that to maximize the benefits of gaming, your
involvement and guidance are crucial.
Set boundaries and limits: Upfront set times of the day and days when games are to be played. Is it going
to be after school? Only after chores and homework are completed? Only weekends? You define rules and
set the penalties for your child not following through. More and more games are played online. But the
gaming environment can be dangerous for kids. Ensure that your child does not have personal contacts
with people playing online.
Choose content wisely: The game that your kids get to play needs all your attention. Not all games
are suitable for kids. It might be trending but as a parent you should get your own information before
deciding. Ensure age-appropriate content but it is also important that you understand the content,
gameplay mechanics, and potential risks associated with specific games.
Get involved: By actively participating and showing interest in your child’s gaming experiences, you can
guide them towards educational and enriching games. Engage in open conversations about games with
your child to promote responsible gaming habits. This also allows you to provide appropriate guidance to
help them explore, learn, and create in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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