Kids and video games. You hear all the time about why kids shouldn’t play video games. They need to play outside more (I agree) or they need to use their imagination rather than rotting their brains in front of the tube (again, with some games I agree) My two little ones play Minecraft and have a slight obsession with the game. They love to play whenever they give a chance. It’s usually a treat for them when chores and homework are done as a way to wind down from the day.
I used to buy into the theory that video games for kids are bad and I still think that anything used too much is going to have a negative impact, but after playing Minecraft with my kids I’ve changed my mind.
I do my best to find things to do with the kids. Something they like to do and at times something that’s going to expand their world. One day the kids asked “Mommy, will you play Minecraft with me?” I sat and thought about it for a minute and figured, what the heck. I’ll play for a few minutes to say I’ve done it and then get back to what I was doing. What happened next surprised both me and the kids.
They’ve Learned How to Teach
I didn’t know the first thing about using the little controller thingy, much less playing the actual video game. The kids had to slow down and show me each little step so that I could play Minecraft with them. They showed me how to jump, they showed me how to run, they showed me how to build things. All the ins and outs of living in the world of Minecraft. They had to learn how to be patient and how to explain things in a way for someone to understand. They are quite the little presenters!
They’ve Learned to Delegate
Since there were now three of us playing the game, they would assign different tasks for each of us to do. One person would collect food, while someone else would get items we needed to build the house, while another person would do the mining or crafting. They learned how to run our little Minecraft household so that we always had the things we needed and everyone had something to do.
They Learned Teamwork
We don’t play the version with the monsters very often, but when we do, we learn how to work together to have each other’s back. We learn to never go out at night on our own. They created an action plan for when we did see those pesky monsters. They learned to look out for one another and take care of each other. This extended to when there were no monsters. We had to be sure everyone had the things that they needed. Made sure that if someone didn’t have food, someone with food would share their food.
We Learned Each Other’s Likes and Strengths
There are different aspects of the game that each of the children liked more than another. My daughter loves to craft, build things, and run our “store”, while my son loves to attack the monsters and build crazy structures. They’ve learned to pay attention to what each other likes. When they’re deciding who’s going to do what, they pay attention to what each other likes and plays to those strengths. I somehow always get assigned to go mining and bring back whatever it is that I’m able to find.
They’ve Learned How to Settle Their Disputes on Their Own
Of course, there is the occasional argument when they play. One person wants to do the gardening and wants the other to do the building, or whatever. In order to keep their world building and growing, they’ve had to learn how to work things out amongst themselves to figure out who is going to do what.
They’ve Learned to Use Their Imaginations
I’ve been shocked at the things that my children have created in Minecraft. They watched the movie Inside Out and the next time they played Minecraft, they created the Headquarters from memory. Their grandparents had taken them to see the movie and I had not yet seen it. When I showed them, they were amazed as they said it looked nearly exactly like the movie version.
They build dinosaurs and princesses and anything else that comes to a child like imagination.
They’ve Learned How Things Work
Minecraft has a ton of different materials that you can use to make different things. They’ve used coal to make torches and to power their furnaces. If they haven’t been able to find any coal, they’ve learned to make their own charcoal using other materials.
They’ve Learned How to Do Research
Sometimes there are things in the game that they don’t know how to do. There are various updates and improvements of the game all the time. If they come across something that they don’t know how to do, they’ve learned how to research it online. They’ve found several Youtube channels that they now follow regularly in order to get the latest “Minecraft news”. I’ve screened more Youtube channels and know more about Youtube people than I care to.
They’ve told me that there are things called “mods” which are like add-ons to the game. They allow you to create new worlds and add new abilities. Just about anything that you can imagine. The sheer number as I’ve come to find is overwhelming, but here’s a great article by my friends over at LyncConf that highlights some of the best ones out there (the best thing is they’re free). My resident Minecraft experts have heard of a number of them and tell me that “so has everyone else”, so they must be pretty cool.
We Learn to Enjoy Each Other’s Company
Minecraft has become a bit of our escape. Our reward for finishing our tasks for the day. It’s a little bit of our family time together. During that 30 minutes or an hour, we’re focused on creating something together. We’re focused on helping each other. We’re focused on being a family. Playing Minecraft together has brought us closer. When they’re talking about the game, I actually know what they are talking about. I’ve started getting involved in some of their other interests and Mom is still a pretty cool person to hang out with!
I can now see what the big deal is with the game of Minecraft. I’m still not a huge fan of the fighting games or the ones where you have to save the world from the next Zombie Apocalypse, but Minecraft is okay with me. It also seems to be catching on around the world as an educational tool. It will be interesting to see what happens with the game in years to come.
We Love to Play Minecraft
I still don’t know everything there is to know about Minecraft and my kids still occasionally take the controller from me in order to “help Mom along”, but they humor me. It’s given me a chance to be a part of their world and to participate in something that they love to do. As long as the kids want to continue to play Minecraft, the answer from mom is always going to be Yes!
Do your kids play Minecraft? Do you play with them?
What are some of the things that you do to spend time together?
Those are really great reasons to play a video game! My kids are grown, so they don’t play this game, but it sounds fun. I’m terrible at video games, but the kids always like if you play with them, anyway. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your post at Together on Tuesdays!L
🙂 I must say that I’m not very good at video games myself. My kids are constantly helping me along. It’s fun though. It’s their chance to show me what they know and they love being able to teach me something. It’s become a special time for us together. Not only do we play video games but we talk about what’s going on with them and really bond. Thank you so much for stopping by and for hosting Together on Tuesdays!
Hey! We play games in our house, but no video games (yet). I have heard of Minecraft but never seen it played before, but the way you describe it has me really curious. It’s good to read you have an escape as a family, there is nothing wrong with playing (video) games together – obviously, it helps your family to bond.
Thanks for participating in our Celebrate Blogging Link-Up Party, it was a pleasure reading your post!
Best,
Bibi
https://simplesummit.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing! Yeah, we play all kinds of games in our house as well. UNO is a family favorite. If your kids enjoy video games, I really suggest that you give Minecraft a try. I was hesitant at bring video games into our home as well, but I’m so glad that I did with this one! It’s about the only one that we have, but it’s fun and they’re learning something too. Win for me! Thank you so much for stopping by!
We are huge mind craft supporters!
It is so creative and my kids do amazing work!
Thanks for the great read!
Michelle
I’m glad to learn that you are Minecraft supporters as well! I think video games overall get a bad rap and while I’m not a big supporter of all of them, this one has definitely been a gem. I hope that continue to enjoy making their creations. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I have never thought about all the reasons you have given to play minecraft with your kids. Sounds like great family time. Thanks for linking up with Blogging Grandmothers link party.
Thank you for your comment! Yes, I was originally against having video games of any kind in our home, and we still don’t play many. But after seeing all of the benefits that Minecraft has brought to my children and to the bond in our family, I’m glad we’ve tried! Thank you for hosting your link up!
Hello Mama Bear, Your article is wonderful. I have a daughter, a granddaughter and a grandson and let me tell you, boys are truly a different breed. My daughter and granddaughter were both into very different things than my grandson and the level of energy is ridiculous. But He has taught me so much in his short 4-years here on this earth, He is already a computer and game lover so I totally get you. Thank you for visiting Blogging Grandmothers and please visit again next week. Oh, and invite your friends to join the party too. 🙂
Ms. Coward
Thank you so much for your kind words. As the mom of a boy and a girl and aunt to an energetic 11 year old nephew, it is amazing the differences between boys and girls. I toe the line often of trying to find things that they enjoy doing together and this has definitely been one of them. I’m not for “gender typing” play and Minecraft allows them to be exactly who they are without having to worry whether they are playing a “girl’s” game or a “boy’s” game. I look forward to getting to know you more at your blog. Thank you again for hosting and I look forward to the fun next week!
This is such a refreshing and unusual post (for me, anyway). I always knew there were some things you could learn from video games but I couldn’t think beyond motor skills mainly because I never stopped to really think it through. I absolutely love how you explain what goes in the game from the perspective of learning. I really like this post a lot. My kids are too little but reading this post makes me want to buy the game and try my hand at it. #bestandworst
Thank you so much! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. Even when my little kids are having a good time, I try to see if there is anyway that there is a learning opportunity that is involved. Minecraft has been one of those games that bring together the educational and fun aspects. From what I understand, they are introducing it as a part of the curriculum in some schools! You should definitely consider giving it a try! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Lots of good info. Going to have to show this to my daughter as she says my grandbaby is addicted to the game and she’s concerned. Thanks so much for joining in on our Blogging Grandmothers Link Party #2. We sure appreciate you partying with us!
Thank you so much for hosting the link party! Yes, please share this with your daughter. I was definitely nervous at how much my kids wanted to play Minecraft, but after playing with them and seeing how they interact with each other, I definitely don’t feel so guilty anymore! Please let me know how things turn out!
I don’t play Minecraft with my kids, I do play board games though which is fun. My kids love Minecraft and I watch the 3 of them play together and what you have described here is so true, my eldest is 12, them 9 and then 7 and they have different skill levels, i watch them assign tasks, laugh, and talk through areas where one may need help, it is really ,lovely #peaches+salt
I’m so glad that you see some of the same things that I do! Yes, it is wonderful seeing all of the kids getting along, regardless of their age difference. You should jump in and play one of these days. It can be pretty fun! thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have a great day!
What a fab post, I have never really given much thought to the benefits of playing games! Thanks for linking up to the #bestandworst
Thank you so much! They love to play Minecraft and so I had to do some digging to make sure they were getting something beneficial from playing! Turns out it’s a wonderful game for kids! I hope that you are having a fantastic weekend!
I did not know half of what you had written about, with playing Minecraft. I guess I’m pretty close-minded when it comes to video games. But thank you, I learned a lot, so maybe I’ll just have to try it sometime.
Thank you so much for your honesty. I used to be fairly closed minded on video games as well and outside of Minecraft, there are very few in my home. I think for me it was a matter of seeing it for myself. If you decide to play, I’d love to hear back from you on whether you agree. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I try to make learning experiences out of everything. (Not that I am always successful in doing that.) My kids will love hearing that Minecraft is so educational for them. On the other hand, I may not tell them, they may quit playing it lol. I didn’t realize how creative my kids were until I looked at what they had built with Minecraft.
Lol. My kids might stop playing if they found out it was educational as well. It’s so much fun seeing the smiles on their faces while they play, but know they are learning at the same time! They’ve become quite the little engineers. You should join in on the fun! Thanks for stopping by!
This brings back memories. My son is 26 now. When he was younger I wanted to know what fascinated him about it, so I had a go. The first thing I noticed was that I had trouble using the controller and remembering what each part did. It was good to walk in his shoes. Apart from being an outdoor kid, he best loved having a picnic under the shady tree when it was lunch time.
Thank you so much for sharing! It’s amazing watching kids growing up and learning the things that they enjoy. It took me forever to learn how the controller worked, but I’m so glad I did! You said it perfectly about walking in your child’s shoes. I’m sure that your son remembers all of those happy moments. Thank you so much for sharing!
I was very pleased to see how much good your children are gaining as they learn to play, share and teach. Very nice.
Thank you so much for stopping by! It has been a lot of fun learning and playing with them. Especially with something they have come to love so much and I can see them learning from! I hope you are having a great day!
We used to link up our DS’s and play Animal Crossing together. It was fun. I’m all for playing games with the kids, although, I’m not so good at Minecraft #happynowbloglinkup
Thanks for stopping by! I’ve never heard of Animal Crossing, but that sounds like fun. My nephew loves to play on his DS, but our family has never played. Minecraft takes a little practice to get used to, but it can be fun!
I love this! I play Minecraft with my son too! I’m amazed at what it has taught him – everything from spatial awareness to geometry to delegating to conserving to…the list goes on. This is one game I can truly get behind. AND, he too had to slow down and teach me. He was kind enough to do so and now we enjoy our ‘Minecraft Nights’ – it’s a wonderful way to bond (and it’s just a really fun game (although he has to beg me to go to the Nether – yikes!)
#happynowlinkup
You are so right! I am still surprised at how great this game has been for the kids. They never seem to get bored with it as there is always something new! I am also a bit of a chicken when it comes to the Nether 🙂 So far though the kids seem to be perfectly fine staying away. They have however, made plans to go to The End. Thank you so much for stopping by! I’d love to hear about more of your Minecraft adventures with your son!
This was such an interesting post Krishna. I’ve never been a fan of computer games, but you’ve just changed my mind. My son is going to be a bit dumb founded when I ask if I can play with 😉 He’s past the Minecraft stage and loves Dota. It’s probably time for me to get involved in his world for a bit and I’m really looking forward to learning a whole bunch of things about how he thinks. Thank you so much
Thank you so much! I have to admit when I first had kids, I thought I was going to be one of those moms who said no to video games. But after trying out Minecraft I’ve definitely changed my mind. I hope you have fun playing Minecraft. Please let me know how it goes!
I absolutely love this. For years people have been saying how bad video games are for kids but in that black or white view of electronics they missed all the gray areas like those you have mentioned. There are many valuable life skill that came be learned when parents guide their kids to select the proper game and involve themselves in game play with their children. I have had some great experiences and triumphs in learning through video game play with my children. Thank you for a great post.
Thank you so much! I have heard all of those things about how terrible video games are and sadly was one of those moms that thought I’d never let my kids play. Minecraft has definitely changed my mind. I’ve seen my children’s imagination go to places I never thought possible. As you said it’s definitely about how parents guide their children. Thank you so much for your comment!
Our family has avoided Minecraft like the plague only because I’m 100% sure my kids will get addicted to it. Those are great reasons that you listed for your kids to play games!
Thanks so much for posting this on my #fandayfriday Link Pary #fdflinkparty! Hope to see more of your posts there soon!
Thanks so much for sharing. I will warn you it is addicting. My kids love it, but we try to moderate how much we play and it all seems to work out. If you change your mind and give it a shot, please let me know. I hope you are having a fantastic day!
I can’t stand hearing Minecraft talk because it all sounds like gibberish to me, but I do love it when the kids play together or invite their friends/cousins to play with them. Great teamwork opportunity and builds thinking skills!
#happynowlinkup
When my kids first started playing, I thought they were speaking a completely different language. That was one of my motivations to get started playing so that I would have at least a little bit of an idea of what they were talking about. It is definitely great teamwork for them! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. See you next week! Pinned and tweeted,
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope that you are having a great weekend!
We don’t do Minecraft in our house, but it definitely sounds interesting. (We don’t have anything against it, we just don’t have it) These are all great points in support of video games that a lot of people overlook. Thanks for sharing!
I definitely think you should give it a try! Minecraft is always a fun way to hang out with the kids. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are having a great weekend.
My boys love Minecraft! I tried to play once but accidentally dug a deep hole and died. I do love seeing all of their houses, ships and various things that they make though. Their creativity amazes me.
You’re so right! I love to see everything that they’ve made. I usually get assigned to do all the mining. I think they do that so I stay out of the way and don’t get myself into too much trouble! 🙂
I LOVED this article. I agree with all your points and am also a Mom who plays Minecraft with her kids (or whatever other game they decide to play with me now and then). I have also noticed that taking the time to engage with my boys in learning about, or participating in, something they are really interested in has led them to do the same with others. When you stoped what you were doing, and didn’t immediately return to your tasks, you gave them more than just a bit of your time.
Thank you so much! The only other game that I’ve played with the kids is Disney Infinity, but Minecraft always seems to be the game of choice. Yes, it’s so amazing what they’ll share with you and others when you simply jump into their world for a while. Thanks again for stopping by!
This is such a nice post to read about the great things about this game. I love how my daughter talks about the things she needs to get, build, create. I love when she gets inspired with buildings and can’t wait to see if she can replicate it. (crossing fingers she will get the architect gene from my grandfather that missed the rest of us.) =) #happynowlinkup
Aww! That’s so awesome! My daughter loves to play too. She keeps the boys in line when they are playing together. I’ll look forward to your daughter’s famous structures one day. Perhaps our daughters will collaborate. Thank you for stopping by!
I have a son who’s a Minecraft lover and I’m amazed at what he’s built in create mode. He first built a roller coaster when he was 5 and then the Titanic with its passengers and crew at the age of 9! I’ve played the game with him but I can’t handle the camera spinning too fast it makes me dizzy. He slows it down for me and we can play together. ?
Exactly! It’s so amazing what kids do with Minecraft. My kids have been so patient with me in teaching me how to play. It’s been well worth it, though. I’m so glad that you play with your son as well. Thanks so much for sharing!
Interesting observations … hadn’t thought video games could be useful LOL
My boys are older now & into sports games particularly FIFA. I play with them sometimes but its so advanced you have to remember like 172 button combinations to be any good. I have trouble remembering the shoot from pass buttons. So I get crushed every time … oh well at least I make the kids laugh & we have a collective chuckle to be remembered for years to come 🙂
172 button combinations….lol. I feel exactly the same way. It took me a while to get the hang of Minecraft and there doesn’t have to be any competition there. I can’t imagine trying to play any of the sports games. I watch my nephew and son play and it makes my head spin. I completely agree though. I get some of my biggest laughs and we have some great memories playing games together. Hopefully as they get older they’ll continue to want to play with me. Thank you so much for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
all of my kids still love to play the minecraft games with me , and they always love to update with the shooter gun , you also wrote great article and deeply touched to heart. Carry on
Mine too! Even my nephew who will be in high school, still loves to play! Thank you for stopping by!
I found you’re this post while searching for information about blog-related research … It’s a good post… Keep posting and updating information
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Thank you!