Gaming is here to stay, and although your job as parents is to help your kids moderate their actions and do what is good and healthy for them, it is probably pointless to try and ban gaming for your kids altogether…well unless they are very young, anyway.
No, it is far better to help them to understand their limits and give them boundaries so that they can balance their love of gaming with the rest of their lives, so that it does not end up dominating. Here’s how you can do that:
Nomad_Soul Shutterstock
1. Set Boundaries Like a Pro
Let’s get the basics out of the way: boundaries are essential. Giving your kid free rein to game for hours on end is a one-way ticket to the land of cranky, sleep-deprived little humans. Set clear limits on gaming time—whether it’s an hour a day or a certain amount of time after homework is done—and stick to it. And no, moving the goalposts because it’s “just one more game” isn’t sticking to it.
Make sure they know when it’s time to switch off. You could even set up a timer so you’re not the villain constantly interrupting their game at the most critical moment. This also gives you the upper hand when they pull the classic “but my friend’s parents let them play all night” argument. Sorry, Timmy, not in this house.
2. Encourage Variety
Gaming doesn’t have to mean endless shoot-’em-ups or whatever the latest craze is that involves dancing avatars. Encourage your kids to mix it up a bit. There’s a huge variety of games out there that can teach problem-solving, strategy, and even creativity.
And, hey, if they want to dabble in a quick game of Solitaire, let them. Sure, it’s not as thrilling as shooting zombies, but it’s still a mental workout (right?).
3. Make Time for Real-World Fun
This might be controversial, but there are actually fun things to do outside of gaming. Shocking, I know. Balance gaming time with good old-fashioned outdoor fun. Whether it’s kicking a ball around in the garden, going on a family hike, or just hanging out in the park, encourage your kids to engage with the real world—and not just the virtual one.
Even indoor activities can work wonders. Set up a family board game night or a creative project. They might grumble at first (especially if it’s a game that doesn’t involve controllers), but a little healthy competition never hurt anyone.
4. Keep an Eye on What They’re Playing (Without Hovering)
You don’t need to be that parent who’s constantly peering over their shoulder, but it’s smart to have an idea of what your kids are playing. Some games are all about building civilisations or solving puzzles, while others might have more violence than you’re comfortable with. Take an interest in their gaming choices without turning into the game police. Ask them about the game, maybe even play with them once in a while—it’s amazing how much you can bond over a virtual heist or a pixelated farm.
5. Use Screen Time as Currency
If you’ve ever found yourself begging your kids to clean their room or finish their homework, you’re missing out on the ultimate bargaining tool: screen time. Want to game for an extra 30 minutes? Great! But first, let’s see that maths homework. Using screen time as a reward (rather than a default activity) puts you back in control and teaches them the importance of prioritising responsibilities. You’ll be amazed at how fast chores get done when gaming minutes are on the line.
As you can see, gaming doesn’t have to be the enemy. In fact, it can be a great way for your kids to unwind, develop skills, and—gasp!—even learn something, but it needs to be balanced with things like running around outside and doing homework or reading books too.
