Despite the pandemic, we're still lucky technology exists -- it can be the instrument to connect and strengthen relationships with your children if utilized correctly. Aside from watching kids' shows, playing video games is another great idea to bond with your kid. The key is to find games that both parents and children can enjoy, and a bonus to that is you're always there to supervise them.
If your kids are already into playing games, ask them to teach you. Express genuine interest in what they're playing and ask them to let you try it. Chances are, you'd be entertained yourself.
Take Roblox, for example. For the uninitiated, Roblox isn't actually a single game -- it's a platform for thousands of mini-games created by players themselves. Most of these mini-games aren't challenging at all, but the fun factor comes from socializing and dressing up your character. If this is the game your kid is into, make sure the mini-games they're playing aren't created by users who only want to extract real money. Besides that, it's all fun at Roblox.
For parents whose kids are into Fortnite, understand that this is much more challenging than Roblox. It involves 100 players fighting until only one is left standing. It's fun to watch, but this game requires strategic planning, cooperation, and teamwork. You'll need to brush up on your dexterity if you don't want to be left out.
Another game that's a hit not just among kids is Minecraft. Many adults also play this game because there are lots you can do. You can create your own world, build structures, fund materials, and there's a huge community of gamers that you can socialize with. Now you may find the blocky graphics disturbing -- it's like looking through the eyes of a person with glaucoma. But don't let it turn you off -- Minecraft is more stimulating than it looks like.
If you don't like any of the three games, don't fret. The internet is so massive that your choices are endless. There are single-player games you can play as a team and there are also multiplayer games played simultaneously. The key is to open your mind to the many choices technology is offering you.
On a final note, don't allow yourself to be put off by childish or cartoony graphics. It may be difficult to understand why your kid is enjoying a certain game when to you, it looks completely pointless. Give video games a chance. We don't know for sure how long we'll be stuck at home due to lockdowns and social distancing guidelines, so you might as well make use of this time to understand your kid more.
