Video Games can bring out the best and worst in us.
When it comes to being a young gamer, there is so much to learn, explore and master. Being the parent of a young gamer can be confusing, scary, and frustrating. The internet is filled with uncertain and possibly dangerous pockets, and we can’t always watch what they do or who they interact with. Even with these unknowns, the internet and gaming may be an essential and important part of a child’s life.
Gaming has many benefits that include:
creative exploration
developing problem solving skills
resiliency to try again
navigating winning and losing
task or goal completion
learning communication with a team
trying different roles
redirecting strong emotion
These skills can be developed and learned naturally. They can also be facilitated with a fellow gamer. Gaming has the potential to be a great tool for growth and personal development. With the right guidance and conversation, these skills can be planted as seeds to grow over time.
Some skills/benefits with a Gaming Buddy:
online safety: discuss sharing personal information, username tips, parental controls, friend requests, muting or blocking others when needed
stress management skills
identifying goals and breaking down smaller tasks to completion
time management to play, earn play time with family rules
self regulation (if screaming or yelling happens when winning or losing, intense parts of game play)
positive self-talk
noticing strengths and reasonable areas for improvement
personal accountability
sharing resources with a team
relationship-building, another person to talk to
discuss how to earn Vbucks with parents (if an option)
Current game: Fortnite
Fortnite Website US region
Equipment needed:
computer, Playstation, OR Nintendo Switch (memory requirements vary per platform)
an Epic Games/Fortnite account username that does not have any identifiable information
username without your name or age
headset with microphone to chat
strong internet connection (if we drop, we will troubleshoot or reschedule)
comfy place to play/sit
notebook to jot down some tips to practice
Services: 1-hour gaming buddy
1 hour includes 10 minute chat to discuss ground rules and review strategies, brief practice or discussion of understanding. 50 minutes is left for different game play depending on child’s preferences: Battle Royale, Squads (party chat), Operations, Creative, Team Rumble.
Please email or call if you are interested in having a Gaming Buddy for your child. I look forward to hearing from you soon! 949-381-1894 | organizedmesses@gmail.com
Please note: This service is not therapy. It is skills-based coaching through play. I don’t guarantee any wins, but I hope it’ll be fun losing with me when we do. :)
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