This isn’t going to be a post raging against gaming. I love computer games as much as the next man.
I’m from the generation of gamers that had to queue up in the market to have a go on one of those coin-op machines.
Face facts, online games, console and pc gaming are here to stay, and this multi-billion pound industry is only going to get bigger and bigger. There ain’t nothing you can do to stop it, I’m sorry book lovers.
So it’s important that you don’t make your children’s gaming time a battleground. It is also important that gaming doesn’t get into a war with books. Because sadly, books will lose.
Using a book as an alternative to another game of Fortnite, will fall on deaf ears. The characters and plots in some games are just as inspiring and interesting as any novel. So don’t dismiss gaming outright.
I visit many schools and talk about being a reluctant reader and a gamer. I want to inspire children just to do a tiny bit or reading, or drawing, a day in the hope some of the characters and plots they read about will encourage them just to read a little bit more.
So here are my top tips to get the perfect blend between gaming and books, and hopefully fewer arguments in the household.
Gaming time management
Break gaming time into manageable portions in week or day. For example, a couple hours after school on specific days of the week. Or short daily 30min/1hr bursts.
Try and avoid agreeing on sessions longer than 3hrs or banning gaming until the weekend. You won’t make any friends there.
Book burst
Also set a book time limit too. Perhaps 5/10/15 minutes a day with anything from a whopping 500 page novel to a comic book. Something that will hopefully get them hooked.
It doesn’t matter what they are reading, as long as they are reading.
Set a finish time
Set a reasonable time you all agree on. Then always warn your children in advance that the deadline is approaching.
Time seems to be elastic in the gaming world and hours can just melt away. The last thing anyone wants is a parent storming in at 6pm and switching the machine off because the deadline is up.
That’s a guaranteed row. If they haven’t saved the game then that could lead to week long strops.
Gaming negotiation
Just because you’ve agreed a schedule and finish time it doesn’t mean that’s set in stone for the next ten years.
Game updates, poor wifi signal, friends not being online at the same time can all create havoc with your plans.
So make sure you are flexible for the regular curve-balls that are just a normal part of gaming.
Learn about games
I hear so many parents tell me they know nothing about gaming and haven’t a clue what they are playing. Why are you being so ignorant?
Just because you are an adult you think gaming is just for kids. Wrong.
Get your head out the clouds and talk to them about their games. They can be incredibly creative and inspiring too. They are more likely to pick up a book you recommend if it’s similar to a game of theirs.
The awarding winning 2015 game the Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, was originally a book. Although this isn’t a game for children. But neither is GTA, and if you let them play that then you are a fool. It’s an 18 for a reason people.
Dealing with the screams
Gaming is exciting and a lot of the time will turn your child into a wild person.
Screaming, yelping, howling and sometimes swearing will be heard from the room they are gaming in. This is normal, don’t worry about it.
It might sound like they are having a heart attack but they are actually enjoying themselves, why not ask them about their progress in the game.
Granted listening to people talk about their games can be as boring as listening to their latest dream, but go with it. You can bond over this.
Non-gaming rooms
Games are not just restricted to the big games console in the lounge, they can happily tempt your attentions on a mobile or tablet.
So I always suggest these devices are not allowed in the bedroom and the bathroom. Making these rooms perfect places for reading.
There’s nothing better than reading a book before bed, in the bath and especially on the toilet.
Car gaming
On a long journey it’s very easy to let the children switch on their device and you won’t hear a peep from them for the next four hours. Gaming is the perfect babysitter.
Why not break up that time with a book/comic. Perhaps 30mins of gaming and 30mins of reading.
Then encourage a discussion about what is going on with both topics. ‘Oh look here we are, a weekend with Uncle Peter in a Cornish fishing village. By the way the wifi is patchy at best…lucky you have your books.’
Don’t be sniffy about gaming
Your child is reading a book you don’t deem to be worthy enough. Perhaps it’s a hints and tips book for Fortnite or Minecraft.
Er hello…the child is reading and isn’t on their console! They are enjoying a book, let them read it might open a doorway to other books.
Bedroom gaming
You have a games’ console set-up in your child’s bedroom. Take it out. You are just asking for trouble.
My kid is gaming all the time and I can’t get him to stop
You can’t get him to stop. Really? Or are you just too soft a parent. Why not try and implement what I’ve written above.
Nuclear option
Don’t be afraid to dish out week long bans on gaming, if your children need punishing. Stay firm during this period and try not to crack. It’ll be worth it in the long run.
This is the perfect time to buy them some new books as an alternative.
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My gaming experience
Just to prove I’m not just waffling on, as the father of two teenage sons I’ve made all the above mistakes a thousand times over and still got the scars to prove.
I’m also a massive hypocrite when it comes to gaming myself, so know all the tricks on how to avoid doing tedious household chores and play games instead.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is my favourite game, and that in my humble opinion is a perfect example of some brilliant gaming storytelling.
If you want me to talk about gaming and books at your primary school then get in touch.