Gaming as a bonding thing - is it actually healthy?

Jul 29·1 min read

My kids get maybe 90 mins of screen time on weekends and most of that is when I'm gaming with them on the Switch. They love Mario Kart and now they're getting into Fortnite which I never thought I'd be okay with but honestly its the time we spend together that matters to me. Anyone else use gaming as your main quality time activity or should I be getting them outside more? Feel guilty sometimes but also this is how we connect.

4 comments202 views

Comments(4)

DDaniel M.RegularJul 31

This is the way. Gaming WITH your kids is totally different from them just zoning out on screens. You're building memories and they're actually engaged with what you're doing. That's not a problem, that's bonding.

JJoeRegularJul 30

The key difference is interaction. I see families where the iPad is basically a babysitter and then families where gaming is actually a shared activity. Sounds like you're in the second camp.

DDavid R.RegularJul 31

I think you're onto something here. We do road trips and the kids are glued to screens the whole time because it's a captive situation, but when we're home and gaming together on weekends it feels purposeful. You're not just avoiding parenting, you're doing it.

SSean M.RegularJul 30

Honestly this sounds super healthy to me. My nap time gaming window is solo stuff because I need some brain quiet, but when it's something we do together? That's way different and way better for them than passive consumption.