Playing games, is it allowed?
In a busy family, debate often builds up as to whether or not children should play video games. A situation like this more often than not gives rise to questions such as, "Should children be allowed to play games?
It consists of parents who give their best to the children and children who are full of energy and curiosity. Parents thus make apprehensions regarding the influence of video games on their children's growth, be it academic, health-wise, or social. While for the kids, video games serve as a source of entertainment and a medium of socializing with their friends.
One day, their parents wanted to seriously discuss the allowance of video games. They went into the living room and sat down to try to find a good middle ground. The parents initiated the discussion with various concerns that the excess amount of screen time might interfere with the focus on homework, school lessons, or even physical activities of their children. Then, they also brought up health risks associated with eyesight problems or not being healthy due to such sedentary life habits.
The children's point of view was rather different, though. They said that not everything is taken for fun but includes social networking with friends online and acquiring problem-solving skills and strategies via the game they are interested in. They reasoned out that video games play an important part in the balance of their life and can serve as an effective tool for learning, provided it is played wiser.
They sought to weigh the pros of and possible effects of video gaming on their children so as to reach a balanced decision concerning this matter. They learned how to make positive use of video gaming and how to manage gaming time in a manner that best works for everyone. They also aimed to establish clear and consistent rules concerning playing games-such as not interfering with study or sleep, and appropriateness of the game for the child's age.
Eventually, they all made some kind of family compromise that suited everyone. That is, the children could play video games only for a limited amount of time per day and with approved types of games. The parents also conceded to participating in this activity in a positive way, like playing games together or discussing games their children played.
This family used openness and contemplation to find a place for video games in their lives that would be balanced and healthy. The discussion not only put the parents' minds at ease but allowed the children to enjoy one of their favorite forms of entertainment responsibly.
