Most Parents Not Gaming With Their Kids
By Shawn on Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 at 3:13 PM PST In Gamer Life, Games
An Associated Press-AOL Games poll released today found that 43 percent of U.S. parents whose children play videogames never play along with them. 30 percent of those that actually do spend less than an hour a week doing so. They are more likely to be younger, single parents and part-time workers.
Parents who don’t play videogames with their kids are missing out on a medium that allows them to get in touch with their kids more than any other. Not only do videogames present a great opportunity for parents to spend time with their kids, they also give parents a chance to interact in a whole different way with their children. They can meet on a field of play where their kids are often equals if not better than them.
As a parent, I find it refreshing to be able to play with my kids. Whether we’re playing videogames, role-playing games, board games or card games it’s an opportunity for us to let our guard down and get to know each other outside the traditional roles of parent and child. It’s something we all look forward to as a family.
who wonders about this?? The main part of todays parents belong to the pre-egames generation
Im a 35 year old parent and I love to play with my daughter and hopefully my son when hes older. I think thst most parents my age, may be half and half. Some of us where in the game scene some where not. My daughters generation almost all of them are involed in gaming to some extent or another.
I do agree with the author. Gaming has made parenting a hell of lot easier and much more fun and engaging.
I’ve also learnt a lot about who my daughter is based on how she plays.
I love that I can share this with her.
I will play video games with my kids, but honestly I don’t allow them to play many games. I still believe they are better off spending a good portion of their free time playing outside and doing the usual kid things. I think video games can be great for families as long as they don’t interfere with other things. As an adult, I play tons and tons of games, but I certainly was not allowed to when I was a kid.
I guess that sounds strange coming from a gamer. (what I said above) but I really do not encourage my kids to play too many games. I would also never purchase a game for them that was not appropriate. I guess I am in a good position as a parent considering I am a gamer.. so I know exactly what games they should not be playing.