Kids and Parents

Kids and parents don't always agree on what is considered a good game. Some kids think it’s the violence that makes it exciting and some think it is the competition.

Most parents agree with the kids that think competition is clean.

Having four kids of my own I know of all the worries that go with watching kids play those violent games. The key to your child’s well being when they play such games, talk with them. Ask them questions and interact with the responses that they give.

It is somewhat mind boggling what kids think when they play such games. The important thing is to help them understand that it is just a game and that such violence would not be tolerated in the real world.

There will be all types of answers along with their reaction to what you say.

“Don’t you think I know that?” The answer was said sarcastically.

“I know that!” They usually don’t look at you.

“Why do you think I’m playing?” This one I thought best to talk over with my child. As a parent it certainly wasn’t clear.

When I was unhappy with the answer I would pursue it further by asking them questions about the game. This helps to interact with your child. Try to get to know his or her world a little better.

When my children were young we often played social games together. Like TIC TAC TOE, Scrabble, and more. However, once the computer entered the house I did get them to play games with me, but they got bored quickly. Now there are many computer games like TIC TAC TOE as well as other clean kids games.

It is very important to find some time to talk with your kids if they no longer want to play the social games anymore. Most of the time I would catch one on the fly passing to get something to eat or on their way to the phone, try to converse with them. As a result, the interaction is still there, they may not always be long conversations but showing some interest in what they are doing usually makes for a few good minutes which sometimes can last awhile.

My children are now young adults, and they now stop me on the fly. It certainly makes for wonderful conversations.

Let your child know that you are interested in his and her life and what goes on. Without giving them the impression you are being a cop.