Video Games Can Be Good for the Developing Mind reports Gameriza
Doctor stresses traditional board games and active games useful as well
(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 12, 2013 ) San Francisco, CA -- Like many parents, Neelima Rajen had become irritated that her child was playing video games for multiple hours in a single sitting. She, like many parents, are concerned that the continued playing of games is not appropriate for her nine-year-old son. Despite please, bribes, and threats, he often refuses to go to bed. “Maybe it was my mistake buying it for him for his birthday,’’ says the 33-year-old Sharjah-based mother. “But he told me that all his friends had it and it used to tug my heart when I’d see him look over the shoulders of his friends as they were playing with their video games.’’
Yet, since she bought it for him in the fall of 2012, Adarsh has not been playing with anything else, she complains. “In fact, he doesn’t mind if I don’t tell him a bedtime story – something he used to insist on every night – preferring instead to play some games on his console before he hits the pillow.’’
More and more children are setting aside the toys of yesteryear and focusing on games. The element of worry that comes from parents regarding computer games is not wholly founded, however.
According to Dr. Amanda Gummer: “I think computer gaming isn’t as bad as some people fear,” says Dr Gummer, founder of the Good Toy Guide (www.goodtoyguide.com). She warns that much depends on the game a child wants to play, and parents should be vigilant about age ratings on games, as those with older ratings can have adult themes and violence. “Obviously it’s a bad idea to let a seven-year-old child play a violent 18-category game. It’s about using these games responsibly,” she says. “As part of a balanced play diet, games have their place – they’re quite good for reaction speed, strategy and competition, and those kind of things can really benefit kids.”
Of course, computer gaming is not the only form that teaches skills and helps the developing brain of children. Traditional board games offer competition and strategy, coupled with social interaction that computer games often do not have, says Dr. Gummer.
“Board games may possibly be better for social development, but they rarely have the need for reaction speed and the high-tech aspect. But sitting your child in front of a game console for hours on end and then letting them play computer games and watch TV is not a balanced play diet.” She says parents need to feel confident enough to set boundaries for their children and enforce them so kids are spending a sensible amount of time playing electronic games.
“They need to treat it in the same way as they’d treat their children eating chocolates – parents wouldn’t let their kids eat a whole box of chocolates in one go.” However, she warns against banning computer games outright. “They become forbidden fruit and it’s counter-productive. Tell them if they can show they can use the game responsibly, that’s fine; but if they can’t, then it’ll be limited.”
She continues to explain by noting: It’s just sensible parenting – it’s the same with screen time, sweets, whatever it is they do to excess that might impact negatively on the rest of their lives.
“The danger comes when kids are using computer games to excess, excluding other types of play and socializing, and being allowed access to material that’s age inappropriate. Balance it out with other things – it’s all about good parenting and managing their use.”
About Gameriza.com
Gameriza (http://www.gameriza.com/) has all the best in games and gaming essentials for the best prices. Get cheap and easy shipping for all your favorite games and gaming items today by visiting the website for more information.
Yet, since she bought it for him in the fall of 2012, Adarsh has not been playing with anything else, she complains. “In fact, he doesn’t mind if I don’t tell him a bedtime story – something he used to insist on every night – preferring instead to play some games on his console before he hits the pillow.’’
More and more children are setting aside the toys of yesteryear and focusing on games. The element of worry that comes from parents regarding computer games is not wholly founded, however.
According to Dr. Amanda Gummer: “I think computer gaming isn’t as bad as some people fear,” says Dr Gummer, founder of the Good Toy Guide (www.goodtoyguide.com). She warns that much depends on the game a child wants to play, and parents should be vigilant about age ratings on games, as those with older ratings can have adult themes and violence. “Obviously it’s a bad idea to let a seven-year-old child play a violent 18-category game. It’s about using these games responsibly,” she says. “As part of a balanced play diet, games have their place – they’re quite good for reaction speed, strategy and competition, and those kind of things can really benefit kids.”
Of course, computer gaming is not the only form that teaches skills and helps the developing brain of children. Traditional board games offer competition and strategy, coupled with social interaction that computer games often do not have, says Dr. Gummer.
“Board games may possibly be better for social development, but they rarely have the need for reaction speed and the high-tech aspect. But sitting your child in front of a game console for hours on end and then letting them play computer games and watch TV is not a balanced play diet.” She says parents need to feel confident enough to set boundaries for their children and enforce them so kids are spending a sensible amount of time playing electronic games.
“They need to treat it in the same way as they’d treat their children eating chocolates – parents wouldn’t let their kids eat a whole box of chocolates in one go.” However, she warns against banning computer games outright. “They become forbidden fruit and it’s counter-productive. Tell them if they can show they can use the game responsibly, that’s fine; but if they can’t, then it’ll be limited.”
She continues to explain by noting: It’s just sensible parenting – it’s the same with screen time, sweets, whatever it is they do to excess that might impact negatively on the rest of their lives.
“The danger comes when kids are using computer games to excess, excluding other types of play and socializing, and being allowed access to material that’s age inappropriate. Balance it out with other things – it’s all about good parenting and managing their use.”
About Gameriza.com
Gameriza (http://www.gameriza.com/) has all the best in games and gaming essentials for the best prices. Get cheap and easy shipping for all your favorite games and gaming items today by visiting the website for more information.
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GameRiza
Customer Service
Tel: 4156676545
Email us
This is a press release. Press release distribution and press release services by EmailWire.Com: http://www.emailwire.com/us-press-release-distribution.php.