Episode #34 – Video Games and Children

Sage advice on raising children (especially boys) in the age of video games.

There are several major problems with video games

• They cost a lot of money (Here at EF we are nothing if not frugal…)


• They are usually antisocial activities.


• They can contain serious violence


• They can cause an addiction

A lot of this is obvious but here are the suggestions that Matt, Mark and John came up with to raise a well adjusted child in the age of video games:

• Sit down and play with them! – Obviously we do this because we are nerds and we like to play, but it is necessary even if you are a non gamer


• Set Time limits (this enables reward/punishment)


• Understand the types of games (strategy vs ‘twitch’) Some game are good for learning!


• Use the purchase of games as a money management tool (incentive for saving)


• Talk to your kids about the games.  Nothing too serious, but it will get a shy kid talking for sure…


• The gaming should take place in a public part of the house.  Consoles/computers in the kids rooms are a bad idea!

All this wise advice is free of charge!  And you get rants and moments too!

App/game of the week – Bad Piggies (sequel to angry birds).

Tune in next week for a very special guest!

Signing off…

Mark

Engineering Fatherhood Episode 34