For a lot of families, screen time is a controversial topic. Some parents are incredibly strict with screen time, while others prefer a more lax approach. While too much screen time can be harmful to anyone, whether they’re a child or an adult, there are some benefits to taking advantage of the technology in our homes.
Gaming, for example, can be a great way to relax and relieve stress. There are many different types of games, all with different benefits and that suit different people with different interests. You never know, this could be a great way to bond with your kids or even carve out a little downtime for yourself.
Simple Games
Sometimes the best way to chill out is to play short, simple games. These games might be played alone or with other people and can be online or using cards or even pen and paper.
Puzzle games like crossword puzzles and sudoku are great examples of this. These games might only last a few minutes, but they’re enough to get your mind working and kill a bit of time. You could play them during breaks at work or even when you get a brief quiet moment to yourself.
You can also teach your children some simple card games or basic computer games like Minesweeper that they can play offline.
Physical Games
When people think of gaming, they might think of video games. While that’s a huge part of it, you can also play active games.
Team sports like football and basketball are games, and they help you and your children keep fit and learn how to work with other people. You can either play casually or take it more seriously and join a team.
These games still require strategy and thinking ability on top of the physical side of things.
Tabletop Games
Tabletop games have seen a resurgence in popularity recently, and you can even play some brand-new games that add something new to the conversation.
You have a few options for tabletop games. Some are simple classics that you can play with your family or friends, and even young children can get involved. Other games might be more complicated.
Tabletop RPGs often involve multiple long sessions of gaming, as well as prep. While it’s nice to have a family game, you can also use these games as an opportunity to catch up with your friends and keep up with people you don’t get to see often.
It’s hard to maintain a social life as a parent, as your children take over. So, especially when they get a bit more independent, make sure that you try to reclaim that side of your life.
Gaming as a Family
If you like gaming or if your kids have gotten into video games, this could be a great opportunity to bond with them. Movie nights are a fantastic treat for the whole family, and gaming nights can also make an appearance.
Choose games where you can play together. Depending on your child (and your own skills), either a cooperative game or a verses game might be ideal and a lot of fun.
If you don’t know much about gaming, ask your child to teach you. It might be fun for them to teach you for a change, and it helps them to develop valuable skills in communication and patience.
Bonding with your child isn’t just about forcing them to enjoy your interests. You should bridge the gap between their interests and yours, so you can have something in common. Gaming could be the perfect middle ground.
Gaming Alone
Finally, you can’t deny that sometimes parents need something to themselves. The great thing about gaming is that you can play while your kids are asleep, giving you some precious time to relax and enjoy yourself without thinking about your children.
There are so many genres to play around with and enjoy, so it’s up to what you want to play.
Do you want to immerse yourself in an amazing story? Or do you prefer plenty of action and amazing gameplay? You can explore worlds, play characters, battle monsters, and win championships all while playing video games.
The trick is to find something you can fall in love with and to have balance in your life. Gaming is a great source of entertainment and stress relief, but it shouldn’t be your only hobby. After all, everyone has to touch grass at some point in their daily lives.
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