What are the benefits of gaming?

Gaming can feel like a double-edged sword for many parents. You see your child engaged and happy, yet you worry about screen time and what they're exposed to. The truth is, not all gaming is harmful—in fact, games that promote positive, age-appropriate environments can genuinely support your child's development and emotional well-being when managed thoughtfully.

Here are several benefits you might be relieved to know about:

Cognitive Development: Well-designed games can actually help improve skills like memory, concentration, hand-eye coordination, and impulse control—abilities that translate into real-world success.

Social Connection: Playing together in games encourages teamwork, empathy, and positive social interactions. For some children, especially those who may struggle with face-to-face social situations, gaming provides a safer space to build confidence in connecting with peers.

Communication Skills: Multiplayer games can improve communication and even leadership skills as kids learn to coordinate, strategize, and work toward common goals.

Identity and Confidence: Games allow kids and teens to explore who they are, experience a sense of achievement, and build confidence in a low-stakes environment where they can try, fail, and try again.

Learning Made Fun: Educational games make learning and reading comprehension engaging rather than feeling like work—and we all know how powerful it is when learning feels enjoyable.

Emotional Regulation: Gaming can actually reduce stress, help manage difficult emotions, and provide a safe space for making social connections when other outlets feel overwhelming.

While gaming offers many benefits, I want to acknowledge how challenging it can be to establish healthy limits, especially when your child pushes back or when you're exhausted from the day. It's crucial to ensure gaming doesn't interfere with sleep, academics, physical activity, or family time—but please know that finding this balance is an ongoing process, not something you need to perfect overnight.