this post was submitted on 07 May 2024
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Kind of torn my niece is starting to like video games.
On the one hand, they're amazing and I still play them all the time. They're integral to my life and are a medium above others in quality, accessibility, and affordability.
On the other hand, they're a double-edged sword. It's hard to be healthy while playing video games without good discipline. And I think back to times I chose video games over homework and I regret it. I don't necessarily want her to follow an unhealthy hobby, even if I love it
Then teach the skills you learned to do it in a healthy way. That's kind of how everything works with kids. They have to eat healthily, respect adults healthily, study healthily, etc. All of those things are bad if they aren't taught how by the adults in their life
"No Skyrim until you finish your homework and finish your chores" is a fantastic motivator for my 10yo. When I can model that I can't play Rocket League with him until after I finish the dishes, it drives the point home that IRL responsibilities need to come before video games.
If she's young, help her build good habits. The important stuff has to happen first, before the fun stuff. That's not just for video games, that's everything.
If she also likes sports or playing an instrument or reading, help encourage a healthy balance. I personally game 3ish hours a lot of evenings. I also exercise 2ish hours each day because I like to. I don't feel like I'm giving up potential time for one by spending time on the other because I enjoy both and I balance them.