Gaming as bonding time or a problem? | DadHQ

Gaming as bonding time or a problem?

1w ago1 min read

So my son and I have started playing Minecraft together on weekends. It's actually the only time he wants to hang out with me without complaining lol. He's 11 and at that age where I'm basically the most annoying human alive. The gaming gives us something to do together and we talk about other stuff while we're playing. My wife thinks it's too much screen time but honestly it feels like quality time to me. Am I rationalizing bad parenting or is this actually okay?

6 comments182 views

Comments(6)

LLance K.Regular1w ago

The key is you're doing it together. One-on-one time with your kid for an hour? That's not a problem, that's a win. Way better than him grinding solo for six hours.

SSam T.Regular1w ago

We started doing this too and it's become our Sunday tradition. He talks to me about stuff while we're playing that he probably wouldn't otherwise. Just keep an eye on the time like anything else.

TTony M.Regular1w ago

That's awesome man. My son and I started doing the same thing a few months back and it's been a game changer for us. He actually opens up more when we're building stuff together in the game. We've made some ridiculous structures but that's kind of the point.

BBenNew Dad1w ago

Gaming together beats him sitting alone on his phone anyway. We do some gaming too and I've found it's actually a great way to teach problem solving and patience. Just set some boundaries on time and you're golden.

RRyanRegular1w ago

This is gold honestly. My four kids fight constantly but put them in a Minecraft server together and suddenly they're a team. Gaming gets a bad rap but this bonding thing is legit.

BBrandonNew Dad1w ago

This is so cool to hear. I'm always worried about screen time but honestly the bonding part is what matters. You're actually engaging with him and creating memories. That's the opposite of a problem in my book.