Spectating matters. Healthy Spectating part 3

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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 second two tips. (if you missed the first two, stop and read this first.)

  1. 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 Discord, play with their friends, and live stream the match for you to watch. 

Pro Tip: Watch and cheer, just like you would at a their soccer game, minus the cold, rain, and umbrella.(You can bring the Stanley of coffee.) ☕

  1. Ask questions and show genuine interest. Engaging with your player through open-ended questions like, “What was the/your strategy of that match?” or “What was the hardest part of that match?” shows them you care and want to understand their passion. You’ll need to gauge how much to ask and when to talk. Just like physical sports, nobody likes a chatty Cathy during an entire game.

Pro Tip: Avoid judgmental or dismissive language that makes them feel that gaming is not valid.

As you embark on this journey with your player, remember Proverbs 18:15: “The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.” Yeah, there’s a little bit of humility that goes with that you’re doing here, but when you take these tips seriously, you will create an environment where you are respected and your child feels heard and valued.

Make the connection:

  • Reflect on your experience watching a live stream and showing genuine interest, noting what went well and what can be improved for next time. 

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

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