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 In the movie Batman Begins, crime boss Carmine Falcone informs Bruce Wayne about the world in which he now finds himself: “This is a world you'll never understand. And you always fear what you don't understand.” 🚨Spoiler alert. This statement arguably launches Bruce Wayne into eventually becoming Batman. Yeah, words have power. We may feel like video games and gaming is a world we’ll never understand. And, at some level, we may even fear gaming because we don’t understand it. Yeah, this is a tough place for us to be, especially when our kids really enjoy playing. Good news is that we don’t have to go to Bhutan to become our kid’s superhero. Trust is a foundational element in relationships, including those between parents and children. We can emphasize building a relationship of trust with our kids that allows for healthy communication, mutual understanding, and a deeper connection. And we don’t need tights, a cape, or an underground secret base. Whew. So, begin by Understand...

So, here we are. The final two tips to help us be healthy spectators for our gaming kids. While we can be tempted to mail it in when spectating, doing so means we miss the massive opportunity to create an environment where our player feels valued, supported, and understood. And what parent wants that? We have six ideas to help us as parents become healthy spectators. Here are the last two tips. (if you missed the first four, stop and read this and this first.) Today’s two tips: Model Good Sportsmanship. Whether they admit it or not, our children look to us as a model of how to handle both success and disappointment. Like that security camera at the bank, they are always watching. They are picking up what we’re laying down. They’re taking their cue from us. As you spectate their games, celebrate their victories humbly and handle losses gracefully. Do your best to avoid negative comments about them, their game play, and other players or teams. After a loss or difficult challenge, remin...

We totally get that these next two tips might be a stretch. But what we know is that you love your kids and that you will do anything for them, including sitting in the cold and the rain, holding the umbrella in one hand and a Stanley of coffee in the other just to watch their soccer game. We can guarantee that these next two tips will be both warmer and dryer for sure. We have six ideas to help us as parents become healthy spectators. Here are the s econd two tips. (if you missed the first two, stop and read this first.) Watch a live stream or tournament. Many gamers broadcast their gameplay on platforms like Twitch or participate in online tournaments. Show your support by asking your player to watch a live stream together. This may be a whole new experience for you so do your best to enter with an open mind. You can even comment in the chat with your player or talk about what is happening during the match. If you can’t find something good to watch, ask your player to hop on Disc...

We always mean well. We love our kids. We care for them. We provide for them. And in all of that, we discipline them. There’s a lot of things that we get right and there’s a lot that we know. And (most of the time) our kids are grateful. But when it comes to video games, sometimes we’re at a loss. We don’t know what to do or what to make of it or are fighting misunderstandings. It’s not always easy. But all is not lost. With some grace and a lot of patience, we can become parents who are healthy spectators. We have six ideas to help us as parents become healthy spectators. First two tips: Educate Yourself About the Game. Find a time when you’re not distracted with life stuff and ask your player to watch them play a game that they really like. As you watch, learn its rules, mechanics, and objectives. Ask questions, be in the moment. You don’t have to become an expert, but having a general grasp will help you appreciate your player’s successes and empathize with their frustrations. In ot...

For any type of public performance, your kid wants you to spectate. They want you to see them do their thing and be present through it all. They want to know that when they look up into the stands, they can see you rooting and cheering for them. It’s comforting and exciting all in one. And for physical sports, a piano recital, or a school play, most of the time you know what to do. Yeah, there are times when certain parents (thank God not you) get a little sideways but for the most part, they get it. But with gaming and esports? Hmmm, not so much. Yet, for parents whose kids are active in gaming or esports, knowing how to be a healthy spectator can seem less straightforward. Some don’t like gaming, some don’t understand the draw of video games, and some are willing but just don’t even know where to begin. The good news is that the same supportive behaviors from traditional sports and activities translate to gaming. This is the first post of four that share ways to help you understand w...