If you have kids, then you may feel as though you need to limit time on online games as much as possible. You may even feel as though they are bad for them and that you also need to try and encourage them to play outside more. Although playing out is important for a child’s development, you also need to make sure that they have a good range of enrichment and believe it or not, that actually includes online games!
Reading
Studies have shown time and time again that those who play online games actually get a boost to their reading skills. This is especially the case if your child struggles with reading. Researchers seem to believe that children need to figure out text if they want to be able to play a game, and this can really encourage them to improve their literacy skills. If you have a child who refuses to read, then games can be a fantastic way for you to encourage them while also having them feel like they’re not actually reading at all.
Visual and Spatial Skills
A lot of games, such as Minecraft or even some of the games from TinyTap encourage your child to navigate. TinyTap’s learning games, for example, are great at enhancing your child’s visual and spatial skills. This is a great way for you to give them a better understanding of distance and space. Of course, if you want to give your child the best chance of doing well in school, then games like this are actually crucial to their development.
Problem-Solving
Every single online game comes with some degree of challenge. Some of them might seem mindless, such as Cuphead for example but a lot of other ones give you the chance to manage a virtual city or even build an empire. This gives your child the chance to take on a problem before encouraging them to find a solution. Researchers say that those who play online games excel in planning, flexible thinking and even organisation too. These skills can all carry over into real-life.
Social Connections
It’s very true that some children have a hard time fitting in. They may also find it difficult to make friends too. Online games can be somewhat of a refuge for your child and they also give them the chance to connect with people in a positive way. Online games offer visual playdates with friends in real-life. On top of this, they also give your child something to talk about when they go to school. This is a great way for you to encourage your child to be more social in school and it also gives them the chance to make friends too. Sometimes your child may even be able to talk to their friends through the gaming platform and again, this can enhance their social skills while also giving them the chance to make new friends.
So, the benefits of playing online games are well and truly endless, and you would be surprised at how much it could help them with their development.
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Clare
Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.
