Level UP

So your kid’s a gamer. Embrace it. Whether they’re building pixel palaces in Minecraft, racking up wins in Fortnite, or yelling “LET’S GOOOO!” at a glowing screen, gaming is part of your home now. Maybe even louder than you'd like. And hopefully not at 2am. And at some point, whether you're ready for it or not, that sneaky little voice creeps in: Is what they’re playing actually good for them? 🤔 You’re not alone. Most parents have wondered the same thing. There are games out there that inspire, games that challenge, and then there are the games that feel like they drain your kid’s soul a little more each day. Not all games are created equal. Some are like junk food by providing instant gratification, empty calories, and a crash afterward. Others are like brain broccoli as they are still fun, but filled with stuff that helps your kid grow. Now before you throw the console out the window and become the villain in their story, let’s talk about what it means to help your child cho...

To our fellow parents who’ve watched their kid stumble out of their room after hours of gaming looking like a confused mole, take a breath. All is not lost. Your child isn’t broken. They’re not antisocial. And no, they’re probably not going to live in your basement forever (although, let’s not tempt fate). They’ve just figured out how to find their people in pixels instead of at playgrounds. Remember when “go outside and play” didn’t trigger an eye-roll so intense it could shift the earth’s axis? These days, your teen can carry on deep, emotional friendships with someone called SkaterBoi2009 who lives three time zones away, but can barely mumble a thank-you to the cashier at Target. But here’s the thing: those online friendships aren’t fake. They matter. It’s kind of like having full-time access to a pen pal. But, they’re just missing something important. Like not having someone next to you who can share a laugh (and their fries) when the day’s been rough. Before we take the cliff dive...

If you've ever said, "You've been on that thing all day!" or "Pause it—dinner's ready!" only to be met with a dramatic sigh or blank stare, congratulations: You're the parent of a digital native. And you’re not alone in asking the big question: Why do kids and teens want to spend so much time online? Before we panic, unplug the Wi-Fi, and launch a 3-hour family board game intervention, let’s hit pause and take a closer look at what’s actually going on behind those screens. That glowing screen isn't just entertainment. For your child or teen, it’s often their favorite (and most accessible) place to connect with friends and teammates, feel competent as they level up, build, or win, and be in control of something when life feels overwhelming In real life, they’re navigating rules, school, hormones, and the ever-present mystery of laundry. Online, they’re the hero, the creator, the top-fragger. Remember passing notes in class? That’s Discord now. How...

Let’s be honest. When most people think of commitment in sports, they picture early morning practices, sweaty jerseys, sprinting drills, and maybe a coach with a whistle and a booming voice. Now picture this: a headset-wearing gamer locked in, eyes glued to the screen, calling shots like a battlefield commander, fingers moving like a blur. You might not smell sweat and turf—but make no mistake: that’s commitment too. Whether you're sinking threes or stacking wins in Fortnite, if you want to be great, the path looks surprisingly similar. Let’s talk about it. 🕒 They Both Show Up—Even When It’s Tough Athletes hit the gym or field even when it’s raining, cold, or when they’d rather just sleep in. Esports players? They log in to grind even after a long school day, even when their team just lost five matches in a row. And they stay in it. No rage-quitting . Bottom line? Showing up when it’s hard is what separates the average from the excellent . 🤝 It’s Not All About You In sports, pas...

If you’ve ever captained a soccer team, called plays on a basketball court, or huddled up for a pep talk before kickoff, you already know this: sports aren’t just about winning—they’re about leading. But here’s a twist you might not have seen coming. The same leadership skills that are forged on the field are alive and thriving in a place with fewer grass stains and way more RGB lighting : esports. Yep. Welcome to the digital arena, where headsets replace helmets, team chats replace chalkboard plays—and where gamers, often stereotyped as “loners,” are actually developing connection, confidence, and community in real time. I first saw this after being welcomed into my son’s gaming world. After watching just 5 minutes of him and two of his friends playing Rocket League , I was blown away by what I saw and heard. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see these leadership skills being displayed in a video game. Leadership Skill #1: Communication On the soccer field, it’s all about ca...