Video games are a big trend amongst children. Most of our kids love them and want to spend time playing them. As parents, that might be a little concerning and we might even associate it with negative behaviors or bad school performance. Some might even say that bad school performance is directly related to kids spending too much time on video games. Well, we beg to differ. So, is it bad that your children are good at video games? We answer, NO. and here is why.
Before we tell you why we think that being good at video games is a good sign, we want to assure you that many of our experts agree with that. Dr. Kimberly Berens, the author of Bling Spots and the founder of fitlearners.com supports this. She believes that video games can be used as a motivational tool to enhance not only school performance, but also your child’s behavior at home.
School performance and video games
Let us start off by explaining certain aspects of video games. First of all, most video games use steps and practice as a teaching technique. When starting any video game, you will find that at the beginning there is a tutorial stage. This stage teaches the player, in this case your child, how to do things. It teaches them how to do stunts, how to make the character walk, jump, drive, and all of the needed controls to play the game. Players cannot proceed to the next stage without finishing the tutorial and excelling at it.
In addition, most video games are made of chapters and levels. The player cannot go to the next level without succeeding the one before. This concept of moving from one stage to the next is usually left out by the traditional schooling system. For example, students move up classes by passing exams. This does not mean that they have mastered the required skill set like doing math or writing. While students can master these skills while moving forward, video games ensure that they master the game’s skills immediately. It gives the player unlimited chances to keep playing the level over and over until they master it and then move on to the next.
This can develop a positive sense or learning for your child. Without realizing so, they will use this gradual learning process in their daily lives and in their school work. And that is why we believe that video games can indeed contribute to enhancing school performance.
Video games can improve a lot of skills
As we mentioned before, video games do target a large skill set and help the player develop it step by step. For example, detective games teach children how to think outside the box. It indirectly improves their logical and critical thinking along with their ability to solve problems.
Other video games target physical skills. Many parents think that playing video games means that children will be on the coach for hours without moving. And while this is true for some cases, other games require moving and standing up. For instance, the Wii console offers games that cannot be played while sitting down.
The Nintendo Wii
Many gamers use the Wii console to spend time playing video games while also staying fit. It is a fantastic way to have hours of endless fun while also getting your body moving. One of those games is the Wii Sports Bundle. It includes bowling games, goling, tennis, baseball, and boxing. Not only is it super fun, but this sports game teaches the actual techniques of the sports it features. Boxing, for example, requires the player to put in an effort to defeat the opponent which is challenging, energizing, and fun!
It also features more games that little girls will be interested in as well. Such as Just Dance and Guitar Hero. You can use those games to bond with your and make a day out of it.
Being good at video games is a good sign
According to Dr. Berens, if your child can learn to play video games, then he can learn everything else. There are many cases where parents believe that their children have learning disabilities and they go for specialists to solve that. The first question Dr. Berens asks parents: “Does your child play video games?”. If the answer is yes, then it is not a case of learning disabilities but rather lack of motivation. It is not their fault nor is it the teacher’s fault. The traditional schooling and teaching system is just not up to date on that.
If your child can master a video game, then he can do the same with school subjects. The problem is, unlike schools, video games offer many stages of teaching, practicing, setting goals, going through missions and finally rewarding. When your children do well at school or pass an exam they are not usually rewarded the same. Passing exams and doing homework is rather treated as some that they are supposed to do. Reinforcements are not usually provided. The whole situation is treated by punishing students who do not do the work, and not rewarding those who do. Which is not very encouraging.
What can you do?
If the schooling system lacks the proper rewarding ideology, then we believe that it is your job to provide it. When you take this up, you will give your child a motivation to do better.
How to use video games to motivate your child?
When you have children who love playing video games, you can use that as a tool to motivate them to do their school work. An example of this, is that you can make a race out of it. Agree with your kids that whoever finishes their homework first, gets to play first.
Save bigger rewards for bigger achievements. Like passing exams. Again, make a race out of it with your kids. Make a deal with them that whoever gets the higher scores gets more screen time or a new game of their choice. Trust us, this will make them work harder in school and you will see amazing results at the end.
Also, use it as a punishment. If your son does not do his homework, take away his screen time. This will make them never miss homework or not study for an exam.
How can video games make your home happier?
Not only can video games enhance school performance and improve it, but they can also make your home happier. You can apply the same reinforcement method to home chores. First of all, Dr. Berens encourages parents to know the difference between what their children cannot do and what they won’t do. If children cannot do something, give them a chance to learn. Acknowledge their skill level and help them develop this skill set. On the other hand, if they won’t do their chores, just like they won’t do their homework, then you are dealing with a behavioral issue.
How to solve bad behavior?
It is pretty easy. Start off by emphasizing that laziness or sloppiness will not be accepted. We recommend you have a family sit down and talk about this clearly. Then, have a conversation about rights, responsibilities, and privilege. Children sometimes miss the difference between these three concepts. Explaining that and helping them understand will foster their participation in home chores.
Highlight that they should earn their chance to play video games, and that you will not give it freely. To do this properly, we recommend that you help your children earn their screen time. You can do that through assigning chores and making a follow up board. For example, your son was responsible for taking out the trash. When he does it, put a star next to his name on the board. This kind of reinforcement motivates children and helps you maintain a happy home.
We still acknowledge that negatives of long screen time
We still believe that unlimited screen time is not good for children. While it can help them in so many ways, it also can lead to video games addiction, and we do not want that. That is why all the steps we mentioned before are for screen time, not just extra screen time. Also, you can protect your child from the negative effects of screen time and video games though censoring them, providing UV light protection, and limiting screen time.
Finally, for any learning process to succeed, you must introduce the idea of reward and punishment. Do not let good behaviors go unrewarded. You can always try to reach out to your children’s school in order to discuss those reinforcement and apply them within the classroom as well as your home.
Educational preschool apps
Fitbit activity tracker is essential
Should I give my child a phone?
Thanks for your publication on this blog. From my personal experience, often times softening upwards a photograph could provide the photography with a bit of an imaginative flare. Often however, the soft clouds isn’t what precisely you had planned and can frequently spoil a normally good photograph, especially if you consider enlarging them.
I?d need to examine with you here. Which isn’t one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in studying a publish that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
F*ckin? remarkable things here. I am very satisfied to peer your article. Thanks so much and i am taking a look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Now this is quality content. You can tell that plenty of thought when into this post. Nice work.
http://www.factorytinsigns.com is 100 Trusted Global Metal Vintage Tin Signs Online Shop. We have been selling art and décor online worldwide since 2008. Started in Sydney, Australia. 2000+ Tin Beer Signs, Outdoor Metal Wall Art, Business Tin Signs, Vintage Metal Signs to choose from. 100 Premium Quality Artwork. Up-to 40 OFF Sale Store-wide. Fast Shipping USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe.
http://www.arttree.com.au is Australia Popular Online Art Store. We sell Canvas Prints, Handmade Canvas Oil Paintings, Customer Artwork, Handmade Canvas Portraits. We Offer Year Round Sale and Get Up-to 70 Percent OFF Discount. We give FREE Delivery Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and all regional areas. We ship Worldwide at many international locations.
Nice post. It’s very well organized and quite educating. Keep it up.
I do not even understand how I stopped up right here, but I believed this post used to be great. I do not recognise who you’re but certainly you are going to a well-known blogger should you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any more upcoming posts.
As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling magnificent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually recognise what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also consult with my website =). We may have a hyperlink trade arrangement between us!
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this publish and if I may I wish to suggest you few fascinating issues or suggestions. Maybe you could write subsequent articles referring to this article. I want to read even more issues about it!
I have realized that of all types of insurance, medical care insurance is the most debatable because of the discord between the insurance plan company’s duty to remain making money and the buyer’s need to have insurance cover. Insurance companies’ profits on well being plans are low, as a result some corporations struggle to profit. Thanks for the concepts you reveal through this site.
Great post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Extremely helpful information specially the final phase 🙂 I care for such information much. I used to be seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
We absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web site!
Some tips i have usually told people today is that when evaluating a good on the net electronics retail outlet, there are a few components that you have to consider. First and foremost, you would like to make sure to discover a reputable plus reliable retailer that has picked up great critiques and scores from other shoppers and business world advisors. This will ensure that you are handling a well-known store that provides good support and assistance to their patrons. Thanks for sharing your thinking on this website.
Interesting article. It is rather unfortunate that over the last ten years, the travel industry has already been able to to deal with terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, swine flu, as well as the first ever true global economic collapse. Through all of it the industry has proven to be robust, resilient and dynamic, acquiring new methods to deal with trouble. There are always fresh problems and opportunities to which the sector must just as before adapt and react.
I’m glad I came across this webpage. I was looking for another website when I stumbled on it. Nice work.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your great writing because of this problem.
Thanks for your information on this blog. One particular thing I would want to say is that purchasing consumer electronics items in the Internet is not something new. In truth, in the past decade alone, the marketplace for online electronics has grown noticeably. Today, you will find practically any type of electronic gadget and devices on the Internet, from cameras and also camcorders to computer parts and video games consoles.
Magnificent site. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your sweat!
One other thing to point out is that an online business administration study course is designed for college students to be able to efficiently proceed to bachelor’s degree programs. The 90 credit diploma meets the other bachelor education requirements then when you earn the associate of arts in BA online, you will get access to the most recent technologies with this field. Some reasons why students would like to get their associate degree in business is because they may be interested in the field and want to obtain the general education necessary just before jumping into a bachelor college diploma program. Thx for the tips you really provide in your blog.
Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Wonderful blog and amazing design and style.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don?t forget this website and give it a look on a constant basis.
I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and excellent user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
I would also love to add that in case you do not already have got an insurance policy otherwise you do not form part of any group insurance, chances are you’ll well gain from seeking the aid of a health broker. Self-employed or people with medical conditions commonly seek the help of one health insurance brokerage. Thanks for your article.
One thing I’ve noticed is there are plenty of misconceptions regarding the banking companies intentions whenever talking about foreclosures. One fairy tale in particular is that often the bank needs to have your house. The financial institution wants your cash, not your house. They want the bucks they gave you together with interest. Steering clear of the bank will undoubtedly draw the foreclosed realization. Thanks for your posting.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your site. You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Kudos!
Thank you for some other great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
It’s quite refreshing to find great content such as this. Continue the good work.
It?s really a great and useful piece of info. I?m happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Hey there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks, I appreciate it!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Hello! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!
I can’t express how much I admire the effort the author has put into producing this remarkable piece of content. The clarity of the writing, the depth of analysis, and the abundance of information provided are simply astonishing. Her passion for the subject is evident, and it has definitely struck a chord with me. Thank you, author, for sharing your knowledge and enriching our lives with this incredible article!
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
I just added this web site to my rss reader, great stuff. Cannot get enough!
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!
whoah this blog is great i love studying your posts. Stay up the great paintings! You realize, a lot of persons are looking round for this info, you can help them greatly.
Thanks for the tips shared on the blog. Another thing I would like to mention is that fat loss is not information about going on a fad diet and trying to shed as much weight as possible in a few months. The most effective way to lose weight naturally is by taking it little by little and using some basic tips which can provide help to make the most from the attempt to shed weight. You may recognize and already be following some tips, but reinforcing information never affects.
okmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I will learn a lot of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
I was just searching for this information for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top websites are full of garbage.
Normally I don’t read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice article.
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will often come back at some point. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
I have figured out some important matters through your site post. One other subject I would like to express is that there are several games on the market designed specifically for toddler age children. They involve pattern identification, colors, wildlife, and styles. These normally focus on familiarization as an alternative to memorization. This helps to keep children and kids occupied without feeling like they are learning. Thanks