Research has discovered that playing computer games can help develop crucial skills, particularly in children. Games that are suitable for their age group can also help them with psychological issues and social skills.
Hand to Eye Coordination
Before the age of three, a child subconsciously concentrates on developing gross motor skills such as running and jumping. Then fine motor skills such as hand to eye coordination begin to develop. Refining them is a relatively slow process that takes a few years. Controlling on screen characters such as the cars in Rocket League helps a child develop this vital function. It also helps them become accustomed to speed and reflex actions.
Cognitive Power
The early years of a child’s development can have a profound effect on intelligence in adult life. Increased cognitive activity up to the age of five or six helps develop the brain’s ability to function and process information. Playing games such as Minecraft assists in recognizing colors, and understanding how to construct meaningful shapes such as animals and houses. The games can also promote skills such as logical thought and memory development.
Improved Decision Making
Computer games involve fast action that usually needs a response within 190 milliseconds. Playing action-packed games such as soccer or shooting at aliens helps a child make decisions in a controlled, but decisive manner. Scientists have discovered that reactions can be up to 6.8% more accurate in a child playing computer games than one who doesn’t use them.
Multi Tasking Skills
Computer games help a child develop multi tasking skills, an accomplishment they’ll find extremely useful in adult life. Games such as Lego: Guardians of the Galaxy have entertaining, complex storylines. Players have to control a character, collect objects, search for an enemy and much more. The game is great fun to play which helps the child to develop multi tasking skills without even realizing it.
Learning to Accept Defeat
Competitive computer games such as Rocket League inevitably result in a winner and a loser. While playing a series of matches, a child will win and lose games.
The results help a child develop a balanced, controlled view of how defeat and victory feels. With
parental guidance, children learn to accept defeat with good humor, and not with a spiteful tantrum. Accepting defeat is a vital social skill they’ll value as they grow to adulthood.
Stress and Relaxation
Children can suffer anxiety, but playing their favorite computer games helps them learn to relax. The Lego range includes many exciting, but soothing themes specially designed for children. They include action-packed races, fighting enemies, negotiating a maze, and solving puzzles. When children relax and have fun, they’ll benefit from enhanced development skills.
And Finally
Don’t forget that while gaming might be a good way for your child to have some downtime, it is also designed to be a social activity. Brush up on their favourite games, check the Dota 2 tournaments at 1337PRO.com, learn the lingo…the more you become involved in the gaming world, the more chance there is you can use it as a connection tool for you and your child.