Watching your kids get older is a whirlwind of emotions. It can be sad, happy, exciting, and even scary. As they grow, they develop new interests; for many kids, this means exploring video games. This can be uncharted territory for parents. You want your kids to have fun, connect with friends, and explore who they are. The problem is that you may be new to video games or haven’t played since you were a kid. You may not know what games are age appropriate and align with your family values. You might be looking for tips on parenting and video games. 

At GameTruck, we understand that this new chapter of parenting can be a roller coaster of emotions, so here are three tips for you to try to help your kid explore the world of gaming. So, whether you’re planning your next birthday party in the mobile gaming theater or smashing boredom during family game night, you can rest easy knowing your kids will have a blast with our parenting tips!

Be Active in their Gaming Adventures

Showing interest and staying connected is one of the best ways to know what and with whom your kids are playing. Gaming with your child is a fun way to build memories and maybe some inside jokes. Even if you’re not a big gamer, you can sit with your kid as they blast away villains or race across the finish line. Ask them to teach you how to play their favorite game. This can help them practice their communication skills as they perform the role of a “teacher.” Being active in their video game adventures may look different from family to family, but it is a great way to stay connected and build memories.

Ask Transformative Questions

Gaming can inspire transformative questions. These questions go beyond “how are you” and “how was your day?” Transformative questions help you bond with your child on a deeper social and emotional level. They can also help kids learn more about themselves as the answers to these questions are not simple “yes” or “no.” 

You can ask things like, “What games are your favorite? Why?” Another transformative question surrounding video games is, “What do you look for in a game?” 

These questions can also mix big topics. For example, you could ask, “what makes someone a good squad member?” This connects friendship and gaming into the same question that inspires deeper levels of conversation. 

Discuss and Set Boundaries

Before you sit down to have this conversation, think about what you want to say and what the boundaries will be. You may not want your child to engage in certain themes, like intense violence or language. Let them know ahead of time so they can ensure their gaming aligns with your family values. It’s ok to explain why certain things are off-limits. You may feel that intense violence or gore is disrespectful to human life; talking about these things with your child can help them better understand and follow the rules you set for gaming. Examining games before you permit your kid to play is also wise. One of the fastest and easiest ways to do this is with ESRB ratings. This handy rating system will give a recommended age and why it has that age recommendation.Here are some additional questions to consider in the conversation with your child.

• Whom can your children play with online?
• What’s the procedure for in-game purchases?
• How long can they play video games each day?
• Is there a way they can earn additional screen time? 

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Exploring the gaming world can be exciting and yet scary for parents. It’s a sign they’re getting older, but you will always be their parent and want what’s best for them. You want to help your child have fun, be safe, and game in a healthy way. Be active in their video game adventures. Ask transformative questions. Discuss and set boundaries. These three tips can help set your family up for success in your gaming fun!

Get started with a safe fun way of family gaming today at GameTruck! Explore similar blogs on starting the gaming experience with your kids here!

For many parents the world of gaming can be daunting, uncharted territory. It’s constantly changing and evolving. As a parent, you want your child to have fun doing the things they love while being safe. Every family has their own unique set of values and culture. Review this list and decide which ones are right for you. So whether you’re hosting a GameTruck party or simply having some much needed quiet time while the kids game, here are eight different ways to encourage video game safety and fun.

Make it a Family Activity

One way you can play with and protect your child online is by gaming with them. Make it a family event! Have them teach you how to play!

Look Into Parental Controls

From scammers to harmful content, take advantage of these controls to help protect your kids from a wide range of online threats. Do not give it out. Make it unique and not something easily guessed by those who know you.

Research Games before your Child Plays Them

Every family has different values. While certain games may be acceptable in your child’s friend’s house, they may contain offensive elements or themes. Always research to ensure that a game aligns with your standards to maximize video game safety for your child.

Know who they are watching.

If your child watches any streamers, know who they are as they may promote content on or off the platform that is not suitable for children.

Know what “multiplayer” means. 

This term means that players interact with one another. This feature may or may not be monitored for violations of community guidelines. Encourage your child to report abusive / inappropriate behavior in the reporting area of the game.

Monitor “trash talk”. 

Be vigilant for cyberbullying. Encourage your child to speak out if they or another player are not being treated right especially if there is a report feature in the game. Encourage them to block any player that makes them feel uncomfortable. Let them know they can always talk to you about things that happen online.

Know how to read an ESRB rating.

You want to protect your kid as they game, but with so many out there, it can be hard to know if one is right for your family. One easy way to gather information about a game is to look at their ESRB rating. It’ll tell you 3 important things…

• The big top box states the reason it got this rating. These reasons can include things like gore, gambling, substances, and much more. This section highlights anything that might be a concern for parents.
• The small bottom box lists “interactive Elements”. These are things that may be helpful for the parent to know before making a decision; however, these interactive elements do not play a role in determining a game’s ESRB rating. This section can include sharing location, in-game purchases, player interactions, and more.
• The Letter signals the suggested age range for players.

Understand the different types of video games. 

There are several different types. Educate yourself about the different platforms your child likes to game on. Here are just a few types of gaming platforms…

1. Free-to-Play – ad-supported games that are free but include paid upgrades and add-ons (such as extra lives and tools), frequently found on mobile devices
2. Subscription Games – games that are streamed and accessed through an account.
3. Social Networking Games – connected with and played within social sites (often through Facebook), pulls user information from profiles and offers paid upgrades and add-ons
4. Digital Downloads – game downloaded directly to a console or computer (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii have their own online marketplaces)

Gaming with family and friends can be a great way to build meaningful connections and memories, but video game safety should always be a priority. Implement this list to enhance your family’s safety while having a great time online!