Video games are for everyone, but they can be especially great for people who are young at heart. It’s a chance to stretch your reflexes and get into a new hobby. It’s also a great way to get closer to your grandchildren. Whether you’ve been a hardcore gamer or are just getting into the pastime, here’s how to set up a gaming date with your grandchild.
Set a Time
Young people likely deal with school, extracurricular activities, house chores and much more. Nevertheless, 20% of 50-plus gamers still love to make their grandchildren their play companions. Try to schedule gaming sessions during the weekends. You can also make the most of seasonal school breaks, inviting them over to bond over games.
Prepare the Scene
Some gaming sessions can be done online. The pandemic saw gamers of all ages connecting over games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which allowed distant friends and family to spend time together from a distance.
However, to get the most out of your joint playthroughs, try to find a way to have them in person. If needed, request help from your grandchildren to set up their consoles and install the games. About 44% of parents say their children engage with a gaming device, and findings note that those aged 9 to 11 are more likely to use such platforms.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
One of the big trends in modern gaming is remaking older games. These are wonderful, as they give you a chance to relive moments from your past. Meanwhile, younger audiences are reintroduced to video games and concepts that the older generation grew up with.
Revitalizing older games for modern audiences could allow grandparents to share a piece of their past with their grandchildren. For example, you probably remember when Pac-Man mania rocked the world in the ‘80s. Luckily, the arcade series is still going strong over 40 years later, with titles like Pac-Man Museum+ giving younger players a new chance to experience the originals for the first time.
You can also indulge in newer titles that are similar to older ones. For example, the recently released Astro Bot is a vibrant 3D platform that celebrates decades of Playstation’s history, featuring appearances from new and old characters alike. You can take turns exploring the game world and getting through the challenges with a touch of nostalgia.
Discover the Popular Titles
There are also tons of newer titles in the gaming world that stand independently. Minecraft has been one of the top games among kids for over a decade. Fortnite similarly has a massive, ever-growing player base that appeals to young people.
Even if you’re not much of a gamer yourself, you can still bond by watching your grandkids play. It gives your grandkids an opportunity to discuss what they’re passionate about. Let them load in and teach you about the world. Once you feel confident enough, take a turn playing and let them coach you.
Find Family-Friendly Games
Bonding with your grandchild is best achieved when you play together. You can pick a cooperative game in which you and your grandkid work hand in hand to overcome a challenge.
Competitive games like Wii Sports are also a delight. A study found that older people who participated in an esports workshop with those consoles experienced a boost in their well-being and created positive social relationships with their young coaches.
After its release in 2006, the Nintendo Wii became a staple for older adults looking to reinvigorate themselves, as its motion controls allowed them to become more active in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Most recently the trend has continued with the Nintendo Switch and its focus on family-friendly gaming.
Have Fun With Them
Finally, one of the main ways to bond with a video game-loving grandchild is to have fun. You can still chat and get caught up while engaging in friendly competition. The thing about games is that they will naturally bring you together.
Avoid worrying too much about what’s happening. Around 74% of U.S. adults play video games online and in person, bringing different types of people together. Try to focus on enjoying yourself, and everything else will fall into place.
Bond Over Video Games
Video games are so much fun, and they help you grow closer to your grandchildren. Get out of your comfort zone and pick a title to play together. If all goes well, you’ll have regular gaming sessions in the near future.
