Kamis, 05 April 2012

Are Online Games Really Family Friendly? - Family

Does the idea of quality family-time appeal to you? Adults, teenagers and younger children having fun and getting along together is something many parents strive towards. As parents, my wife and I have that hope for our family, but we need some occasional help in achieving that aim. Family games are one way of providing that help.

Some websites label themselves "family friendly" for the types of games they promote. Whether the games are downloaded to play at home or played online, they can be described also as "family safe" or simply "family games". But are these websites really telling the truth? Are they really family friendly?
What does the term "family safe" mean then? It can be described as affirming those values which are held by a majority of parents and families. For example, illegal drugs, gambling and excessive violence are unacceptable in "family safe" games. This doesn't mean that there is no violence, though. As long as it is only animals or aliens that are being shot at or harmed (and not humans), the level of violence is seen as acceptable for these games.

So-called "family games" can be even broader in their moral values and may not even be particularly "family safe", as long as they are entertaining. These games may promote actions and behaviours that are criminal or immoral in the real world, such as driving a speeding vehicle on public roads or the destruction of property.
Another point to consider is that the majority of online "family games" do not encourage meaningful social interactions since they are played solo, trying to beat the computer or a previous high score. There are very few internet games that allow family members to play together.

If the sort of games we want our families to experience are not adequately described by online "family safe" games or "family games", what should we be seeking in truly "family friendly" games?
Family friendly games go beyond being just "family safe" to actively encouraging supportive family relationships. Negative values are avoided while positive aspects of family life are promoted. Values such as having fun together, caring for each other and quality time spent with each other, no matter what their age. Put simply, enjoying each other's company!

Although many online games may be family safe, none are really family friendly. They do not provide the fellowship that goes with the whole family spending time together over a game. They also fail to allow the expression of love and care that can be part of a truly family friendly game, as well as the enjoyment of shared fun.

If online games cannot be described as truly family friendly, what type of games are? How about some old-fashioned, traditional games? A family sitting around a table playing card games or board games, parlor games, dominoes or dice games. The sorts of games where there are opportunities to not only spend time together but laugh together and show our love by helping each other throughout the course of the game. Quality time where adults, teens and younger children get along and have fun together. A weekly games night after the evening meal, where a few games may take an hour or two but the benefits last a lifetime, long after the games themselves have been forgotten.

Family friendly games bring benefits far beyond mere entertainment. It may take a while for children to accept these benefits, especially if they are accustomed to online games that provide lots of action and excitement. After those sorts of games, family games can seem quite boring. Persevere! Try a new game each week to keep it interesting. Your children will appreciate your effort for years to come.

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