Fortnite tournaments with my son - unexpected bonding

May 7·1 min read

My 10yo got really into Fortnite and I was worried it would be this huge problem. Turned out I learned to play with him and now we do squads together a few nights a week. My wife thinks we're both brain dead but honestly it's some of the best time we spend together. He talks to me about stuff while we're playing that he'd never bring up at dinner. Anyone else find gaming isn't always the enemy?

6 comments172 views

Comments(6)

CChris R.RegularMay 9

Fortnite gets a bad rap but honestly you found a way to connect over something he loves. That's parenting done right. A lot of dads would just shut it down and miss the opportunity.

RRob H.RegularMay 8

This is what I needed to hear. My 7yo's been asking to play games together and I've been resisting. Sounds like I should actually say yes.

MMiguelRegularMay 9

I've been thinking about this with my sons and soccer practice. Sometimes the thing you think is going to be annoying turns into your favorite part of the week. Nice reframe on the whole situation.

BBrandonNew DadMay 7

That's the kind of bonding that sticks. Football Sundays with my son started the same way - I leaned into what he was interested in instead of fighting it.

WWill T.RegularMay 7

This is awesome. So many parents stress about their kids being on games but you found the actual value in it by just jumping in with him. That's solid parenting right there.

DDerek P.RegularMay 9

This is actually genius. I was so worried my 10yo was going to be glued to games but if I actually played with him it might be different. Never thought of it as bonding time instead of just a problem.