Spectating matters. Healthy Spectating part 4

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:

1. 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, remind your child that winning isn’t everything—the experience and learning also count. When we take a look at Philippians 2:3-4, we have a model for us to follow, too. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” We see an emphasis on humility and putting others first, which is at the heart of good sportsmanship. It’s about celebrating with humility and handling setbacks with grace, setting a positive example for our players.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good grasp on the game and how it’s played before commenting on what your player should/shouldn’t have done.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries. We want to encourage balanced gaming habits, reminding our players to take breaks, stay hydrated, and balance gaming with other activities. These are important as well as establishing a routine that supports mental and physical well-being. Doing so will reinforce that we care about them beyond just their performance in the game. So, while spectating, you may be tempted to talk about setting healthy boundaries. But let’s be clear - it’s best to keep it quiet about this until the gaming is over. Spoiler alert: this is hard. Any type of conversation about boundaries while gaming will shut things down faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive. Like all things, timing is everything. Spectate the gaming session well and then talk about boundaries later. 

Pro Tip: Set aside a time when everyone is calm and go to a private, neural location to talk about boundaries. Think Dunkin, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Taco Bell.

Being a healthy spectator for our gaming child is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship and build a bridge of understanding between us and our players. Just as we would in any other activity, our support and involvement make a world of difference.

By educating ourselves, cheering and rooting, watching streams together, asking questions, modeling good sportsmanship, and setting healthy boundaries, we can create a positive spectating experience that helps our players thrive—not just as a gamer, but as a person created in the image of God.

Make the connection:

• How might we build time into our routines to spectate our players in a way that strengthens our relationship with them? 

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