When we think of video games as parents, the last thing that comes to our minds is the educational benefits. After all, what good could possibly come from sitting on a couch and tapping away at a handheld console or gaming controller for hours? However, it turns out we’ve been wrong all these years about video games. They aren’t making our kids lazy. On the contrary, they might actually be helping them learn valuable life skills. Before you raise an argument in protest, I’ll show you some ways video games can be educational for your children, with data-backed evidence, of course. You might finally change your mind and get some educational games for kids after reading this blog post. Now, let’s dive in:
1. Video Games Can Help Kids Learn Ancient History and Culture
Console gaming isn’t all about defeating bosses and evading enemies alone. Many games include elements of ancient history in their storylines, helping your kids learn about different cultures from as far back as the Middle Ages. For teenagers, classroom history lessons can be boring. If you remember your days in high school, you’ll probably realize you didn’t enjoy those lengthy lectures either. Now, transform those class sessions into colors, motion pictures, and an action-based storyline in Call of Duty: World War II or Crusader Kings, and they instantly become more engaging and enjoyable.
We learn better with stories and active participation, and video games feature these two elements. They include captivating storytelling and invite us to participate in the events through gameplay. Little wonder your kids can’t put down their consoles.
2. Gaming Can Improve Cognitive Abilities
Ever tried to progress through the stages of world-building and strategy games? They aren’t as easy as you think. Players often have to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills to manage resources and make decisions.
In other words, while you think your kids are wasting time every day in front of a console, they’re actually putting their cognitive abilities to use. And these efforts come with benefits. Recent statistics show that a few hours of gaming weekly can significantly improve cognitive skills.
One study even showed that children who play video games for three hours daily performed better on cognitive skills tests than those who don’t. Researchers tied these performances to completing tasks in games that require impulse control and memory.
So, you might want to reconsider angrily turning off the console whenever you find your children immersed in gaming.
3. Video Games Can Help Children Make Friends
I know you think your kids aren’t socializing when they’re locked up in their rooms gaming, but that’s not the case. Video games can actually help children collaborate and interact with peers. Most games today include multiplayer features that allow players to meet new people, work as a team, and solve problems together. In addition, gaming can also serve as a shared interest that brings children together in school and around the neighborhood.
You’ve probably seen your child’s friends come over multiple times just to spend some hours on their console, right? That’s an excellent example of how games help teenagers bond.
Conclusion
Most parents don’t connect video games with education and learning, but they can actually contribute to your child’s brain development. Gaming can help your kids learn history in a more enjoyable manner and develop their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. It can also help them make friends. So, you might want to cut our kids some slack and let them enjoy a few hours of gameplay weekly. According to the data, the results will be worth it.
