Indoor Playground Richmond Hill – Do Kids Play Too Many Video Games?

Think your kids spend too much time playing video games? You’re not alone! A lot of parents who visit our indoor playground in Richmond Hill ask this question. It is a normal concern to have, considering how much technology impacts all our lives on a daily basis—it is a bit hard to get away from. Most adults have trouble “unplugging,” so to speak, and it can be even more challenging for our kids.

So how much video game time is too much?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child’s video game time should be limited to one hour per day. This can be quite the challenge, considering that most kids have access to computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. Recent studies indicate that 75% of children under the age of 4 use mobile devices on a regular basis. No wonder kids have a hard time putting the phone away at the dinner table.

How to decrease time spent in front of a screen?

In all fairness, games are not all bad. Some games are educational, while others promote problem solving skills or hand-eye coordination. Games can help kids wind down after a long day at school. However, excessive screen time can be damaging when given priority over socialization, family time, exercise, or homework. So what can we as parents do to make sure our kids are playing a healthy amount of video games?

Lay down the law. Determine what you feel is an appropriate amount of time for your child and family. You know your kids best. Lay down the law and don’t bargain—consistency is key. It is not recommended to take away video games or screen time as a punishment, however. This can lead to a negative association with being offline.

Find alternatives. Kids don’t like being bored. When limiting video game time, brainstorm some fun activities to do instead. You can do this with your child or with the whole family. Think of engaging activities like playing sports, arts and crafts, cooking simple recipes together, or visiting your favourite indoor playground in Richmond Hill.

Get involved. Make sure your kids know you are there for them. Most parents are busy—we get wrapped up in work and there never seem to be enough hours in a day. That’s normal. Let your kids know that they can always reach out to you, even when it seems like you’re swamped. Open communication will help them open up to you instead of closing up and reaching for the game controller.

Want to know more about our Richmond Hill indoor playground? Read our previous article: Best Indoor Playground Richmond Hill Has to Offer.