As a mom, I want what’s good for our daughters. Hubby and I are not entirely against the use of gadgets because we know that they also learn a lot from apps and research. We also allow them to watch TV. They themselves make the choices, and they lean towards cooking shows, arts and crafts, as well as science and medical documentaries. But do we let our children play online games? Yes, we do. And why, you may ask. That is because we have read that online games are good for students. Let me expound on that.
Moderation In the Use of Gadgets
Actually, my philosophy in life is not to be a puritan but have everything in moderation. It could be food, activities, or even shopping. It’s okay to splurge once in a while, as long as it’s done moderately.
The same is true with the use of gadgets for kids. Our children are now growing up in the digital age and they need skills to cope with the new society. We did delay letting them watch videos until there were about 7 months old. It wasn’t everyday and at short periods of time.
Up until now, we police their use of gadgets. And there are days that we let them abstain from gaming or editing while they do other things. The kids learn a lot of things from their use of gadgets, like enhanced vocabulary, new songs, and special skills like editing.
How about games? Yes, we do let them play online games as a breaker for their school work if they choose to.
Is it True that Online Games Are Good for Students?
Well, apparently it is.
A study in Australia involving thousands of high school students proved this theory. They discovered that students who regularly played online video games performed better in academic. They scored higher in Math, Reading, and Science tests than those who didn’t.
Alberto Posso from RMIT University in Melbourne suggests that students who regularly spend time playing online games are developing analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills can then be translated and applied to in their schoolwork.
This does not apply to social media, however. The expert said that the students won’t learn problem-solving from FAcebook.
Free Online Games
Our daughters use free games on mobile phones or the tablet. They have been told over and over again not to purchase anything in-app because we don’t want to be surprised with our bills. That is one of the reasons why we delayed their use of gadgets until they were aware of the value ofmoney.
~ Who doesn’t like free online games? The kids didn’t even need to sign up to play. ~
They have also discovered some really engaging games on plays.org. They both especially liked the Tap Supermarket and Open Restaurant because both of them have entrepreneurial spirits. The two girls want to be able to open a business someday and venture into food and dining, among other things.
Another thing that caught Achi Shawna’s attention is the Minigolf World. Achi has been playing jungolf before the pandemic. Last year, she was supposed to take up summer golf classes again when the community lockdown was declared. Too bad, she had already been doing well. She will have to start all over again when everything will get back to normal.
With Minigolf World, we got to see the top side of the putting area. At the golf course, she can only see from her standpoint and try to analyze the distance, force of the swing, angle, and wind. It is a nice refresher course to be able see the ball from a different perspective.
Remember: Always in Moderation
Now that we know that online games are good for students, we can let them play, as long as it’s in moderation. My suggestion is, use the timer in the cellphone. Set an alarm, like 30 minutes, that they have to follow. After 30 minutes, they have to put down the phone and do their lessons or other activities. They can have another 30 minutes in the afternoon and in the evening.
Children do respect clear boundaries, as opposed to just telling them “That’s enough.” The alarm will allow you to have that. Probably, there will be some resistance in the beginning, especially if they are used to using their gadgets all day. You would need a heart to heart talk about the benefits and disadvantages of gadget use on their developing brain.
Pray before you do so, for guidance and wisdom, especially in the language that you will use to explain things to your children.
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