Video Games: Good or Bad?

Recently Micah has shown a tad bit of an addiction to his video games. He does have a Nintendo DS and Wii, not to mention my Xbox 360 and PC that he can play on. All of these are easily accessible and he is starting to get to the point where he doesn’t need us to help him set the games up. So this brings up the following questions:

Do video games land my kids in jail in the future?! OF COURSE! No not really, just messin’.

Are video games doing anything more than just causing drool to fall out of my kids’ mouth? Are there any benefits to playing video games? Most people would say no, they are a waste of time, nothing but just pointless entertainment.

Well, folks, I’m here to point out some benefits to playing video games not as a gamer myself, but as a father with a child who plays a lot of games. There are plenty of negative reasons why NOT to play games, but how about hearing some positive things?

• It’s better than what they would get out of watching TV. Their brain is actively at work at trying to solve problems instead of turning off while Patrick and Spongebob are jelly fishing.


• Imagination Boost, let’s face it – video games have some pretty fascinating worlds and your child will be able to experience great creativity in these games.


• The obvious, it improves hand-eye coordination. I can type faster because of my gaming, which has helped me get higher in my career.


• It could actually help your child keep his mind off of over snacking or eating! Yeah, that’s right, this is evidence that your child might LOOSE weight playing video games…or well, at least not eat as much.


• It is a new way of teaching, as it keeps children on the edge of their abilities. As the game progresses the game gets harder, making the child learn more and more as the game pulls them along. Think Tetris, the first level was cake, but as the game goes on it trains you for the higher levels which make you think more.

If you want any more reasons and the source of my 5 points, check out this link.

Also, please realize I’m not saying place your child in front of the TV/computer screen all day and let them learn all the knowledge they need. Kids need to get outside and run around, get some exercise and get some face to face social interactions. Try to limit your children on games a day, if you think it is getting out of hand. During the day, go outside and play with them, save the games for when it is dark. And for all you parents that game, remember that you are setting an example for your kiddos. Try not to over-game and remember to get the same exercise your kids are getting instead of picking up that controller.

Now, I’m off to go shoot some zombies, lol.