Spectating matters. Healthy Spectating part 2

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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:

  1. 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 other words, learn when to cheer and when to be sad.

Pro Tip: Ask for a few YouTuber tutorials to watch to learn more.

  1. Cheer for Effort, Not Just Results. Just like in traditional sports, effort matters more than results. Look and cheer for creative problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. Recognize when your player overcomes a tough opponent or tries a new strategy, even if it doesn’t lead to a victory. This encourages resilience and shows your gamer that you value their growth more than the outcome. But of course, when they do something really cool, you can let loose.

Pro Tip: Recognize when your player demonstrates resilience in real life.


The Bible has this found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” Spending time watching your player, learning from them and hearing them talk about what they like to do is a great way to build your relationship with them and to be an encouragement to them.


Make the connection:

  • As you embark on your journey to be a healthy spectator, share with us your experience where it’s good, bad or otherwise. 

We are #ForTheGamer and help players play with purpose and win for good.

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