The goal with gaming is that kids don’t neglect their chores and responsibilities before they choose to engage with online games. That they stay healthy and engaged in things like homework, eating regular meals throughout the day, sleeping well, sports, social engagements etc before getting to their gaming.
It is important that the gaming you choose is highly interactive and specifically with younger kids, that there is “joint media engagement”. That you are able to interact around the game as if you would around other media such as books or a craft project.
If your child doesn’t really know what is going on whilst gaming (but they want to because they see you doing it) then it is best to engage with him around a different activity or save gaming experiences for when you are around and can interact with him.
I understand that a big part of it is him seeing you playing online. This is a great opportunity to role model healthy gaming routines. For example, all dad’s chores are done and it’s a fun way for him to relax for an hour or two after doing all that he needed to do.
Setting your child up for success like this helps them understand the healthy mix of real world responsibilities and gaming fun.
