Our son just turned 18, and has had different games consoles since he was 6 years old. The most important thing we as parents have done through his childhood is to show genuine interest in his games, taking part in his playing and letting him be our “teacher”.

In this way we´ve had a lot of fun together through games playing. We have competed, co-operated, laughed out loud, shouted, jumped around, danced, sung and played through the years. Every time he´s had a new game he´s been, and still is, eager to show them to us. In this way we´ve always known what they contained, what age limit they´ve had and have always been able to have an informed and open discussion about what´s appropriate as he´s grown older.
 
So my invitation to parents would be to “see” your children and take part in what they are into, involving yourselves in their playing and games in a natural way. It´s both fun and creates strong bonds in a family, makes the children harmonic and secure, and gives you a good platform on which you can have a thought-through idea on what´s suitable for children at different ages.
 
Mother of an 18-year old boy

Do you want to share your story?
Do you have a story or tips you’d like to share with other parents? Send your story and your name, age and address to post@kidsandmedia.org.

Kids and Media select stories to be published. The story should be short and shouldn’t contain information about your children that compromises their anonymity. All published stories will be presented without names.