Parents are often frustrated when their children spend hours playing video games. But instead of wishing this technology would just go away (too late for that) why not look at what makes videos so appealing and use it to your child’s advantage.
First, video games require active engagement. Sure, the participant is just moving their thumbs or fingers but even these small movements “connect” them to the task.
Second, video games are primarily visual. Throughout most of human existence we’ve learned more by seeing things than by listening to explanations.
Finally, video games provide frequent reinforcement. Even though your child may be playing for hours they’re constantly aware of their progress and are usually able to move to a new level every few minutes.
On my next blog post I will suggest ways to adapt these principles to something as boring as homework.
