Connecting with Your Kids Through Video Games

I have two kids, eight and five, and though they are still young, I know that finding common interests to bond with them as they get older will be a challenge. Or at a minimum staying relevant enough with them and their passions to feel like I know what’s going on and that time hasn’t passed me by. Even now, my kids are massively into Pokémon right now (especially Pokémon cards, RIP my wallet). While I know a lot of the originals, there are now over 1,000 Pokémon out there, so sometimes I just feel like they’re speaking Greek when they talk about some of the new ones.

Like most parents and kids, we play sports and LEGO together, among other things. But it's been video games that have filled an awesome gap for us. My parents used to play Nintendo with me as a kid, Duck Hunt especially, and my dad would pick my plays for me in Madden.  He even tried giving GoldenEye64 a shot for a bit until me and my friends got too good. But it made for some great memories.

(Cool, cool - just take me to the recommendations)

There was even a time where my grandma told me to give her a controller and played Smash Bros with me. I told her the absolute basics and somehow, someway, she actually beat me. She’s been gone for some time, but that memory still brings a smile to my face.

Anyhow, back to the topic at hand. We game together because it’s more than just a fun activity, gaming allows us to compete, work together, or explore virtual worlds together that captivate my children's imagination.

Right now, we mostly play on the Nintendo Switch and have found success with Mario Kart 8, Super Mario Wonder, and Minecraft Dungeons. One of the best parts of these times is that we can share them together on a fairly level playing field as the whole family can sit on the couch and race against each other or work towards completing a level.

I'm doing more of the teaching of how to play and answering their questions, but the day is coming quickly when they will be better than me.  For parents with teenagers, they may already be playing more advanced games like Fortnite or Call of Duty Warzone. Don't be too scared about the complexity. Your kids are good and can be your guide - plus, having your child teach you cultivates their confidence and their ability to communicate.

Give it a shot to sit down and play with your kids. Or have them suggest a game you all can play together. Your kids will probably appreciate you making an effort to understand a hobby that means so much to them. With an open mind and some quality time together, video games can forge new avenues for connection.

If video games intimidate you, I put together this list of games I think are great for new gamers or to play with your kids, ranked from lowest complexity to high. I’ve tried to take into account the ease of learning the basic mechanics of the game and the level of strategy involved. Enjoy!

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My Top 5 Recommended Games to Play With Your Kids