The child sits at the computer all the time. 6 tips to help you get the most out of it

1. Choose games of developing genres

Of course, you shouldn’t leave your child at the computer uncontrollably, but you don’t need to scold for the love of gaming either. Games can be helpful. They improveDaphne Bavelier. How do video games affect the brain? /TED mindfulness and multitasking skills. Gamers usually have to monitor the behavior of the enemy, the actions of the team and the situation on the site.

So, games like Super Mario World and Angry Birds learn to respond quicklyVideo games show potential in improving key aspects of memory in older adults / National Institute on Aging to obstacles, analyze the situation and think through actions several steps ahead. Due to this, the child can improve cognitive skills and memory by spending 30-45 minutes on similar platformers daily. The effect will be noticeable in about four weeks. And some subjects noticed it after two.

2. Invite him to create his own game

It's not that difficult: you can find tools on the web with a simple set of functions. Some platforms for building games do not require programming languages. For example, for RPG Maker, Game Maker Studio 2 or GameGuru. Then, if the child gets bored using them, he can move on to constructors like Roblox. To do this, you need to learn the Lua language. In terms of its feature set, it is close to JavaScript, one of the popular tools for developers.

If the listed services are not enough for the child, he can move on to more complex mechanics. He will need to learn programming languages ​​like C++, HTML and C#. They are popular among developers who use the Unity platform. In the future, languages ​​will help the child start a career in IT.

In addition to coding, the child will need to master other skills. He will have to draw up a detailed plan of action, write a script, find a soundtrack, develop character designs. It is difficult for one person, even an adult, to do all this on his own. Sometimes you need to team up with other enthusiasts to create a game. So the child will improve communication skills and, perhaps, assemble a team with which he will later release more than one successful product.

3. Teach your child to manage time

Everything is good in moderation, including computer games. Encourage your child to use time trackers - especially if he does not have time to complete the planned tasks.

To begin with, let him only keep track of how long he sits at the computer. Then suggest gradually reducing the amount of time you play by, say, 20 minutes a week. And so on until it reaches the limit that you set with it.

It is easier for everyone - including a child - to stick to a clear schedule if a person understands why he is doing it. Help the student to choose a goal for which he will wake up in the morning, complete tasks and scroll through TikTok less often.

Set a personal example. Tell your child what projects you are working on and what you need for this. Explain what deadlines are and why they should not be missed. Show popular issue trackers. Perhaps they will interest the student and he will take them into service.

4. Look for games that give an idea of ​​professions

For example, The Sims simulator will be a great tool for a young architect. Game in 2000 createdJohn Seabrook. Game Master Will Wright changed the concept of video games with the Sims. Can he do it again with Spore? / The New Yorker engineering student: he paid special attention to tools for housing construction. If a child approaches the construction of playhouses differently and figure out how to arrange objects before that, then who knows, maybe he will be interested in architecture.

There are other games that will give him an idea of ​​the professions. Driving simulators will show the child what they will face when driving a car. Turn-based strategies like Cid Meier's Civilization will allow you to try on the role of the leader of the state. Even small games like Hundred Days, a winemaker simulator, or Farm Manager, in which a child can be a farmer, will help to understand what it is like to work in a particular field.

5. Help start a blog about his hobby

Perhaps your child is a potentially successful streamer or trendsetter. Discuss with him the launch of social networks, which he can then monetize. If your child seems to have nothing to talk about, remind them that almost any content has connoisseurs. For example, a YouTuber under the nickname Simstopia 230 thousand subscribers. She makes videos of how she builds houses in The Sims 4.

Some bloggers develop their channels for 5-10 years, so don't let the child be afraid of temporary difficulties. For example, Daniil Lazarenkov, better known as Chuck Review, got interested movie reviews back in 2009. Then the future vlogger was barely 13 years old. By the age of 26, he managed to shoot a lot of videos about the latest movies, become the host of the nostalgic show “Bazooka Video Salon” and even take offChuck answers questions about his "Stainless" (and more!) / Poster Daily movie.

If the child does not abandon the hobby, then he will be able to fully earn on it in adulthood. Also, such a hobby will help him master the basic skills of management and administration, because a blogger needs to create a content plan and look for channels for promotion. In the future, these skills will come in handy if the child wants to become a product manager.

To support him in his endeavor, study with him the experience of his favorite bloggers. If you know SMM people and they don't mind consulting your child, ask them for help. Don't forget the equipment. To save money and not waste money, take used equipment first. If you see that the child is serious, update the inventory.

6. Bring game elements into real life

For example, put a password on the computer. Leave a clue next to the blocked gadget that the child can definitely guess. Or turn the search for a solution into a quest. Elements of gamification in life helpJiawen Zhu, Xiuhan Li, Yin Zhang, Zamzami Zainuddin, Shum Yi, Cameron Lee, Samuel K W Chu. Can Gamification Bring Long‑term Effects for Elementary Students’ Learning? / ASIS&T AP 2019 regional conference the child to develop creative skills faster.

Solving the password is not the only way to get your child interested in learning. You can apply other game mechanics in your life that noticeRichard Blankman. The Fun of Learning: Gamification in Education / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt some experts. If a child wants to learn the guitar, introduce a system of rewards and challenges. For example, if a student learns an additional chord within a week, he will receive tokens. Agree that they can be exchanged for something of value.

Gamification can also be used to develop practical skills. Suppose you are planning to send a student to a programming course. Discuss with him and find out what exactly he wants to learn. If your child is attending classes with friends, encourage their parents to introduce an element of competition. Create an online document with a leaderboard. For a week, a month, or longer, record the progress of the children, and then give a special award to the student with the best result. To keep the competition healthy, do not forget to appreciate the efforts of other participants.