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In Defense of Video Games--A Sane Approach |
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by jenlemen  (February 2007) (rank 2nd) |
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When my husband suggested this holiday season that we get the kids a playstation, I about fell off my chair. We are, by choice, a no-TV family. Our only option for watching movies--a tiny 15" TV (no antenae) and built in DVD player hit the skids months ago. Why
would we give in to the video game world now? after years of being essentially screen free? Essentially when we are the kind of people who can't tear ourselves away from any television on within 20 feet of us at any time, ever. Some people think we don't have a tv because of our high standards--I know it is because we would be TV junkies in a New York minute. My husband convinced me that this fear was unfounded. In the end, I surrendered, though all the way up until Christmas morning I harbored serious doubts.
You won't be surprised to hear that my kids were thrilled. What might surprise you is what a serious affect gaming has had on my family as a whole. My husband, the one who usually comes in the door worn out and stressed out with a scowl on his face, actually came home happy. He couldn't wait to play the games. My kids worked out this community effort approach to games where they often pass the controller to the person who can get them to the next level. I was shocked at how much teamwork happened in one game of StarWars. And me? I like the way the games we have bring us together for recreation--something that we struggle with in our family, since the extraverts and introverts among us often have different definitions of what it means to chill out and relax.
So what makes video games at our house a unifier and not one more occasion to disconnect?
- Games that focus on skill building and problem solving instead of shoot 'em up and killing. Bowling on our neighbors Wii is an amazing equalizer. The kids enjoy trying to master something new, and the parents aren't far behind. When was the last time an 8 year old topped your score bowling? In video game world, it's possible--and fun.
- Games that can be played and enjoyed across the age spectrum. Carter might not have all the tricks down for StarWars, but his insight and suggestions for problem solving are key. Same thing for Madeleine on Karaoke Revolution. She makes sure to set the judging of her voice to "easy" so she can hang with the grownups.
- Games that create a party atmosphere. When we get out Dance, Dance Revolution, everybody wants to play, including the neighbors walking down the street. We can play this game together as a family and everyone feels like we're having a good time.
- Games that are as much fun for parents as they are for kids (or more so!) Everyone wants to be a rockstar, so Guitar Hero has been a lot of fun for all of us. The kids like to pick the songs and the avatars--they also like to give their two cents about who's doing great and why. Watching mom and dad sing mushy (and slightly embarrassing) love songs on Karaoke Revolution makes for good memories and lots more laughs.
- Games that can go away for another day. Some games are more addicting than others. While we are really enjoying all the games we have to play right now, video games aren't dictating our schedules or keeping the kids from finding other things to play. This kind of moderation is key to keeping the fun in perspective.
When is too much, too much? As long as the games keep bringing us back together to play together or learn something new together, I think we're doing fine. It's when we start using electronic media to avoid each other that I start to worry. Being online, playing games, watching TV--as well as busy real world schedules--can create more space than togetherness if we aren't careful.
Thankfully, playing together--even if it's just one round of Dance Dance Revolution--is working so far to bring a little joy and connection to these long winter months.
What do you think about video games? Are games bringing your children together or keeping everyone apart?
