#37: Are video games actually bad for kids?

video game addiction, teens, parenting

Video games - do you love them or hate them? Do you worry about the influence of gaming on your kids?

In this episode, Melissa and her husband, Patrick, discuss video games and their approach to managing gaming in their family. You may be surprised at some of their thoughts. Can video games teach kids how to solve problems, work as a team, and even help us connect as families?

Relevant Resources and Links:

Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World by Jane McGonigal

Jane's TedTalk: Gaming Can Make a Better World

SuperBetter App (for gamifying your life)

Head's Up App (iTunes | Google Play)

Games That Work For Other Families

Episode 27: Tips for Getting Chores Done

Ask Patrick a question in The Adoption Connection FB Group

Patrick's Game Recommendations:

(This list contains affiliate links.)

Console Games

Portal (all of them)

The Turing Test

Death Squared

Peggle

Human: Fall Flat

The Witness (for those who want an extra challenge!)

Games With Killing

Tomb Raider (all of them)

Assassin's Creed (all of them)

All LEGO games (These have non-gory killing. The LEGO men just break into pieces.)

Mobile Apps

Angry Birds

Happy Glass

2048

Flow Free


Mentor Moments:

This week Lisa and Melissa answer the question:

"How can I connect to the heart of my son who is still HYPER focused on his biological mom. She is his mom. I know this. I do not want to replace her. I’m just not sure how to reach him?"