5 Tips for Introducing Kids to Video Games

June 11, 2019 24 By EngineerMommy

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Turtle Beach.

As Sophia has gotten older, her interests have changed quite a bit. Just a few years ago, she loved dolls, play sets and play dough. Now she is into fashion, accessories and video games. We actually got a Nintendo Switch about a year ago and she has been enjoying quite a few games on that system – and I have to admit she is pretty skilled at many of the games. Today I’ll be sharing some practical, easy-to-implement guidelines for introducing your child to video games. From setting age-appropriate time limits to using the Turtle Beach Recon 70 gaming headset, keep reading for all my tips.

1. Play together!

If your child enjoys video games, don’t just watch from the sidelines. Take a turn with the controls and challenge each other. It’s actually the perfect opportunity for a bonding moment. As a kid, I used to play Super Mario Bros. with my father and it was one of my all-time favorite childhood memories. Now, my husband & I continue that tradition with Sophia – we will have a gaming contest and see who can get the farthest in a specific world. It’s totally fun and exciting! 

2. Get the right accessories!

When it comes to gaming audio, having the right accessories is essential. We recently received the Turtle Beach Recon 70 gaming headset and it has been a fabulous addition to our play room. The Turtle Beach Recon 70 gaming headset works with Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC & mobile devices so it’s compatible with such a wide variety of popular gaming systems. 

Thanks to a lightweight design and over-the-ear premium synthetic leather cushions, the Turtle Beach headset is designed for hours of play. Sophia mentioned a few times that she forgot she was wearing the headset – it was that comfortable!!

The 40mm speakers deliver powerful audio and make it easy to hear every high and every low, while still blocking outside noise. Another perk of this headset? I can read a book right next to her without distracting music interrupting me. 

The Turtle Beach Recon 70 gaming headset comes with a built-in mic that flips up to mute. It’s also equipped with a universal 3.5mm audio connection so it’s a breeze to connect this headset with all your devices. 

In fact, this headset is a fitting successor to the #1 selling wired headset (the Turtle Beach Recon 50.) 

Turtle Beach has been bringing gaming headsets to the public since 2005. Today Turtle Beach manufactures a wide selection of award-winning gaming headsets for everyone from the casual player to the hardcore gamer. To keep up with the latest news & offers from the company, check them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

3. Make sure all mandatory chores are complete!

In our household, we make it clear that video games are a reward for good behavior, completed chores and finished homework. Sophia knows that if her room is a mess or if her homework is not done, she will not be able to play video games. Setting these ground rules early on and enforcing them consistently is a good way to avoid conflict later on. 

4. Set time limits!

Setting age-appropriate gaming time limits is very important. The amount of time allotted for video games will likely vary based on the child’s age- use your discretion to find a time limit that’s reasonable. For us, we find that 30-45 minutes is a reasonable number. Another rule of thumb I implement is that for every 30 minutes Sophia plays a video game, she must play actively (preferably outdoors) for 30 minutes. 

5. Choose educational games!

Nowadays there is such a wide variety of video games available for every age, skill level and interest. We try to steer Sophia toward video games with some educational content. Therefore, not only does she have fun playing, but she’s also learning something new and honing her skills. A few Nintendo Switch games she has been enjoying recently include Snipperclips Plus, Captain Toad and Dragon Quest Builders. All of these are educational in a fun, engaging way. 

I hope these tips have inspired you to introduce video games to your kids in a responsible way. Do your kids enjoy video games? Would you like to experience the crisp audio delivered through Turtle Beach headsets?


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