When Simon logs into Animal Crossing, he’s always curious to find out what his mom has left for him. Sometimes it’s a massive teddy bear; other times, it’s a knight’s helmet she’s mailed during her last gaming session.

Simon and his older brother share the same virtual island with their parents, and they’ve turned pranking them into an art form. Their favorite tricks? Rearranging furniture all over the island or burying old tires and pretending they’re fossils.

Simon’s mom, Brittan Ullrich, loves how the game gives her family a chance to bond. “It’s such a relaxed way to spend time together doing something the kids love,” says the mom of two. “There’s no pressure, just lots of laughs. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with their interests, even when we’re not playing.”

Gaming: The New Family Tradition

“Today’s parents were the first generation of gamers,” explains Jayson Hilchie, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC). “We grew up with video games as a big part of our childhoods. So when our kids get into gaming, it’s a natural way to share something we already enjoy.”

Gaming has become increasingly social, with players connecting with friends or online communities. What’s even more surprising, though, is how many families are now gaming together. Whether it’s friendly Mario Kart races or teaming up in Minecraft, video games are turning into a shared activity that brings everyone closer.

Why Parents Are Plugging In

For most parents, gaming is about spending quality time with their kids. But there’s more to it: gaming can reduce stress, spark joy, and even boost cognitive development. Jayson encourages his 10-year-old and seven-year-old to try age-appropriate games that challenge their creativity and problem-solving skills.

“We love open-ended games like Minecraft,” says David, another parent. “They let the kids’ imaginations run wild, and the pace is totally up to them.” Compared to fast-paced, goal-oriented games, these sandbox-style experiences feel more relaxed.

Multiplayer games also teach valuable life lessons. From empathy and conflict resolution to teamwork and leadership, gaming can offer parents plenty of teachable moments.

Keeping Gaming Safe and Fun

Of course, setting rules is crucial to making sure gaming stays safe and enjoyable. Parents can feel more at ease by staying involved in what their kids play, who they’re playing with, and how much time they spend on screens.

David’s strategy is simple: gaming only happens in shared spaces where he can monitor what’s going on. He’s also careful about online privacy, social features, and in-game purchases.

Brittan has similar rules. Her kids aren’t allowed to play games with voice chat or connect with strangers. She and her partner review each game for violence levels and set screen time limits. They’ve even installed an automatic shut-off feature to make sure playtime doesn’t run over.

Parents looking for guidance can use resources like the ESRB ratings system to pick age-appropriate games. ESAC also provides video tutorials on setting up parental controls to manage screen time and game content.

Leveling Up Family Time

Whether it’s building a dream home in Animal Crossing or racing through Mario Kart tracks, gaming can be a fantastic way to bond with your kids. By staying involved and setting boundaries, you can turn video games into a safe, fun, and even educational family tradition. Who knows? You might discover a new favorite pastime along the way!

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Mike Yawney - Gadget Guy