Can Video Games Be Good for Your Child? A Fresh Look at Screen Time and Learning

Rethinking Video Games: A New Perspective for Worried Parents

If you're a parent of a child between 6 and 12, you've likely had moments where you wonder if screens—especially video games—are doing more harm than good. You might find yourself negotiating screen time limits, dealing with meltdowns when it’s time to unplug, or simply worrying that your child is becoming “addicted” to gaming rather than developing healthy, balanced hobbies.

It’s a valid concern. But what if, instead of seeing video games only as a source of stress or distraction, we considered the potential in them? Could there actually be something positive to gain from games—even for children who struggle with school or focus?

Understanding the Engagement Factor

One of the biggest reasons video games are so appealing is that they are designed to engage. They offer immediate feedback, clear goals, and a sense of progression—all things that many kids may not experience consistently in the classroom, especially if they’re facing learning difficulties or struggling with traditional school systems.

For instance, if your child finds reading a challenge, imagine how affirming it feels to master a level in a game. The success is visible and validated, unlike school where improvement is often slower or harder to measure. This sense of capability can build confidence, a trait that struggling learners desperately need.

That’s not to say video games should replace reading or math drills. But they can offer an alternative arena where your child can feel successful and capable—an experience that could slowly translate into other areas of life.

Skill Building in Digital Worlds

Contrary to common belief, many video games foster valuable cognitive skills. Strategy games require planning and foresight. Puzzle games build logic and sequencing. Cooperative or multiplayer games teach collaboration, negotiation, and even leadership. These aren’t trivial lessons.

Consider also that some games are subtly educational without being labeled as such. Minecraft, for example, teaches kids about architecture, geometry, and resource management. Games that involve coding, city-building, or even managing in-game economies weave real-world thinking into play.

But, of course, not all games are created equal. Setting appropriate boundaries around content and time remains essential. That’s where your role as a guide—not just a gatekeeper—comes in.

Taking a Balanced Approach

Instead of seeing video games as inherently bad, try framing them as one tool among many in your parenting toolbox. The goal isn’t to ban, but to balance. When gaming is just one part of a child’s varied day, it loses its grip as the only source of excitement or autonomy.

If mornings are dominated by arguments about video games, even before school starts, you might find ideas in our post on what to replace morning video games with to create smoother starts to the day.

You may also be wondering how to help your child find joy in offline moments again. Our guide to 10 screen-free, calm activities offers ideas that are as enriching as they are peaceful.

Reconnecting with the Real World

Sometimes, it’s not just about reducing game time—it’s about rekindling interest in the real world. For children who feel disinterested in anything other than gaming, the key is to offer alternative experiences with equal emotional payoffs.

Creating weekend rituals, engaging in shared projects, and making room for freeplay can all help. For more support, take a look at our article on creating meaningful, screen-free moments over the weekend.

If your child seems intensely focused on games and little else, our deep-dive into how to help kids reconnect with life outside of games may offer new insights and strategies.

When Screens Divide Siblings

In multi-child households, disagreements over screen use can intensify. One child might be deeply attached to a favorite game, while the other feels left out or overwhelmed. In these moments, gaming becomes less about the games and more about fairness, inclusion, and emotional needs.

We've explored how to manage these dynamics in our piece on resolving screen time conflicts between siblings—without daily power struggles.

Creating Alternatives That Still Feel Fun

The trick isn’t to compete with the dopamine boost children get from games—it’s to offer alternatives that are emotionally resonant. Think of cozy, imaginative storytelling moments, quiet play that encourages creativity, or evening rituals that feel connective instead of corrective.

One simple tool worth exploring is the LISN Kids app on iOS or Android. It offers beautifully produced original audiobooks and audio series for kids aged 3–12. Unwinding with a rich story at bedtime or during a screen break offers a calmer, tech-positive experience without the intensity of a game.

Final Thoughts: See the Full Picture

As parents, we carry the heavy responsibility of shaping our children’s environments. With screens so embedded in our daily lives, it’s easy to feel like we’re always at odds with them. But by stepping back and looking at the full picture—of who your child is, what they’re drawn to, and what they need—we can begin to shift from a mindset of control to one of connection.

Video games aren’t your enemy. In the right context, and with gentle guidance, they can even be part of the solution—especially for children who need new ways to feel seen, capable, and engaged. Balance is possible. And you don’t have to get there perfectly. Just thoughtfully, one screen—or one story—at a time.