Gaming Together: A Parent's Guide to Positive Screen Time

A child on a screen under a duvet playing a game

Screen time can be a healthy part of family life

Collaborative post by another author.

Screens are everywhere these days from tablets and laptops to gaming consoles, and it's almost impossible to avoid them completely, especially when it comes to kids and teenagers. Many parents worry about how much screen time is too much, but not all screen time needs to be a bad thing. When approached the right way, gaming can actually be a great chance for you and your child to spend time together, learn new skills and even have a lot of laughs along the way.

If you're wondering how to make gaming a positive part of your family routine this guide is here to help.

Understanding what positive screen time looks like

Positive screen time is about more than just setting limits and walking away. It's about choosing games that encourage creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, which means you can turn screen time into a really beneficial activity. For example, playing games that let you build, solve puzzles or explore stories together can teach patience, strategy and even storytelling skills.

Instead of letting screen time be something that separates you from your kids, you can turn it into an opportunity that brings you closer. Choosing games you can enjoy together, like a fun online pool game, gives you a simple way to connect and talk without making it feel forced or awkward.

Choosing the right games

Picking the right games makes a huge difference in how positive gaming time feels for everyone. Story-driven adventure games, puzzle games and multiplayer games that require teamwork can be fantastic options that teach important lessons in a really fun way.

Games that let you play cooperatively rather than competitively can also help if you're looking to strengthen your relationship with your child. Playing something together that doesn't pit you against each other makes it easier to relax, laugh and build trust without even realising it.

Setting boundaries without making it a battle

Setting clear rules about gaming time helps avoid future arguments, but the way you set those rules really matters. Instead of just dropping strict time limits, involve your child in the discussion and agree together on when and how long gaming will happen.

When kids feel they have a say in the rules, they're much more likely to respect them. You could even create a fun family schedule that balances homework, housework, outdoor activities and screen time, which helps everyone feel like their time is valued.

Playing together makes a big difference

Playing games with your child shows that you care about what they enjoy and that you're willing to enter their world. Even spending just half an hour a few times a week gaming together can open up conversations and shared jokes that strengthen your bond.

For instance, you could dive into a creative sandbox game and build something together, or you could team up to beat a tricky boss in a story-driven adventure. Sharing those small victories feels amazing and reminds your child that you're on their side and it becomes a fantastic family bonding experience that you can make a regular thing.

Encouraging offline gaming too

Gaming does not always have to mean a screen. Introducing fun offline activities like board games keeps the spirit of gaming alive without staring at a screen. This gives you a chance to bond over strategy, luck and storytelling in a whole new way.

There are so many board games today that are just as exciting and challenging as video games, which means you can easily keep the gaming vibe alive at the dining table. This can be a really refreshing way to balance digital and physical play.

Keeping communication open

Talking about gaming regularly with your child shows that you're interested in what they think and feel. Asking questions like, “What do you like most about this game?” or “What’s been the funniest moment so far?” keeps the conversation positive and natural.

If any problems come up, like frustration or arguments during gaming, they can be solved more easily because you already have an open line of communication. Keeping it casual and friendly makes a huge difference.

Knowing when to step back

While it’s great to be involved, it's also important to let your child enjoy some gaming time on their own or with their friends. Giving them space shows trust and confidence in their choices, especially once you've built a healthy understanding of good gaming habits together.

Stepping back doesn’t mean ignoring what they do. It means checking in now and then, offering support and celebrating their progress and achievements without hovering over them all the time.