If ya can’t beat em…
…join em! And let them laugh at you while they win.
Yes, I’m talking about video games, as well as MMO gaming on the internet. When’s the last time you played with your teenagers? A while back, Nik Yee over at Incredible Internet surveyed 300+ parents who do exactly that, play onlin games with their kids so that they have a better idea about what’s going on, and how to parent their children in regards to online activities. He has talked with teens and parents over the past year about the experiences and created a podcast to talk about his findings.
Basically - those who play with their kids, have a much better idea of what is really going on. As Parents, we often tend to automatically veto any activity we aren’t sure about. We tend to say no before we even know all the details - and how better to get the details then to jump in and play? Sure, your kids might think your spying on them, but give them the joy of beating you a couple times as you flounder around trying to figure out HOW DO I JUMP OMG QUIT HITTING ME and laugh along with them, and soon they’ll a- be teaching you the ropes, b - be telling your friends that your hopelessly dorky, but in a kinda cool way and c - know that you care enough to be involved, and to help them make the right choices along the way. He’s even got a contract to sign between parents and children that can help all sides feel better about internet use and gaming.
So check out the podcast below, the website as well and get involved with your kids! Who knows, maybe you’ll get good enough to beat THEM!
What online gaming parents know that you don’t from Incredible Internet on Vimeo.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
[...] In addition to Massively, the podcast ended up on N4G News for Gamers, RaisingArizonaKids.com, Parenting Teens Blog, MileHighMammas.com, and [...]
October 19th, 2008 at 12:53 am
Good idea…get online and engage with your kids! Hey, it will help you both to relate to one another. Thanks!