4 Great Ways to Turn Video Game Time Into Family Time

Posted on Jul 06, 2017 Topic : Men's Christian Living, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Michael Ross

Catching quality time with our children is always a top priority—and what could be better than invading their high-tech worlds? As I followed my son, Christopher, into the mysterious landscapes of his favorite game, Minecraft, I began to see firsthand what captivates his imagination. And little by little, we connected in unexpected and highly creative ways.

As we talked, I couldn’t help tying his virtual playground to life in the real world. But I didn’t stop there. The more we bonded during gameplay, the more I connected his world with the one God wants him to experience.

Actually, this is what motivated me to write a book with my son—Building Faith Block by Block: [An Unofficial Minecraft Guide] 60 A-Z (Kid Only) Survival Secrets.

Let’s be honest: Family life moves at a frantic pace. Even our kids are scheduled down to the half-hour: school, church, sports, extra-curricular commitments, birthday parties, sleepovers. Yet as our “to-do” lists keep growing, the time we have left to shape and influence them keeps shrinking. (Adulthood comes all too soon.) And like it or not, our kids must find their way through a labyrinth of choices. So taking every opportunity to spend time with them is essential.

Need some ideas? Try this…

Establish a weekly family night or afternoon…and stick with it. Devote these times to having fun with your child, laughing and playing together. Your goal is to reinforce the bonds of family and faith. Opportunities to teach and guide them will flow naturally. (Trust me on this.)
Connect through gameplay and social media. Don’t be intimated by keyboards and game controllers. It really isn’t that hard, and besides, your kids know the ropes. They’ll be thrilled that you’re stepping into their world.
Take these moments to listen to your child. Ask open-ended questions: “What is school like?” “Tell me why you like this game.” “Who is the bully in our neighborhood?”
Clue into their challenges. “Tweens” and young teens, children ages 9–14, have real issues with self-identity, self-esteem, and acceptance. Cliques form and rejection by peers is a big issue as well as excelling at school and meeting parental expectations. Having consistent family time—and fostering a culture that affirms and accepts them—can provide a safe place for them as they experience these significant challenges.