How to Tell If a Video Game Is Actually Helping Your Child Learn

Understanding the Difference Between Meaningful Play and Mindless Screen Time

You’re trying to be open-minded. You know kids today love video games, and part of you is even hopeful—maybe, just maybe, some of these games could help your child learn. But every time you walk past the screen and hear shooting sounds or see your 8-year-old clicking frantically at lightning speed, you start to wonder: “Is this really doing anything for them?”

For parents of children aged 6 to 12, it’s normal to have a complicated relationship with video games. On one hand, we want to support our child’s interests. On the other, we’re worried about attention span, school performance, and whether playtime is edging out opportunities to actually learn.

The truth is, not all games are created equal. But when chosen thoughtfully, certain video games can be powerful tools that foster problem-solving, reading habits, and even confidence—especially in children who struggle in traditional learning environments.

Look for Games That Encourage Thinking, Not Just Winning

One key difference between an educationally valuable game and a merely entertaining one lies in the kind of engagement it supports. Is your child simply reacting to stimuli, or are they stopping to think, plan, and reflect?

For example, puzzle-solving games or titles that require players to build, strategize, or code (such as logic-building games) can promote cognitive flexibility and executive function. These are the skills that help children manage time, focus attention, and remember instructions—essential for succeeding in school.

If a game encourages trial and error, scaffolds new skills, and gives your child space to explore, that’s a green flag. Conversely, games that reward speed over strategy or rely heavily on flashy game mechanics without deeper thinking might keep your child occupied, but not necessarily learning.

Pay Attention to How Your Child Responds—Not Just the Game Itself

Sometimes, the real clues aren’t in the game—but in your child’s behavior after playing. Are they energized and eager to talk about what they learned? Or do they seem overstimulated or irritable?

Children often learn differently from one another. Some engage more deeply through storytelling elements, while others are more visual-spatial learners who thrive in open-world or building games. In fact, interactive play—and this includes certain styles of gaming—has been shown to support comprehension and retention for many types of learners.

If your child has trouble with reading, attention, or memory, notice whether the game alleviates or worsens this. Does a game help them feel successful after a struggling day at school, or does it become another point of frustration?

Games with Narrative Drive Can Actually Support Reading Skills

One overlooked benefit of some video games is how storytelling is woven into gameplay. For reluctant readers or kids who feel defeated around books, narrative-driven games can be a sneaky yet effective way to boost literacy skills. Reading text bubbles, following story arcs, and tracking character motives all engage comprehension in much the same way that books do.

In fact, narrative video games can open the door to motivation and focus in children who might otherwise zone out during homework or textbook reading.

Of course, this doesn’t replace actual reading time. Parents can support this growth by pairing interactive stories with audio formats. For example, screen-free alternatives like the iOS or Android version of the LISN Kids App offer original audiobooks and audio series that captivate kids in the same way games do—narrative-first, fun-focused, and crafted to grow listening and comprehension abilities.

Watch for Signs the Game Is Supporting (Not Replacing) Real Life Skills

If a video game connects back to your child’s offline life—sparking curiosity about how things work, motivating them to draw maps, write game scripts, or even give a presentation about what they built—you’re onto something powerful.

Real-life learning extensions are a common hallmark of a game with educational value. Don’t just ask your child if they liked the game. Ask:

• “What did you have to figure out to win that level?”
• “If you made a new version of this game, what would the rules be?”
• “Did you learn something in that game that you could use in the real world?”

Kids’ answers to these questions will tell you whether they just clicked buttons… or genuinely thought, learned, and created.

Make Sure Playtime Isn’t Overpowering Everything Else

Even the most brilliant educational games need healthy boundaries. A balanced screen routine still matters, especially for children with executive functioning challenges or screen sensitivities. The question isn’t just what your child is playing—but what they’re sacrificing to play it.

Research shows that moderate playtime—especially in interactive or educational environments—can enhance learning. The key is to integrate it with other activities: reading, resting, physical movement, and face-to-face human interaction. When play is in harmony with learning, it stops being a source of guilt—and starts becoming a source of growth.

In Closing: You Know Your Child Best

It can be overwhelming to decode what’s “good” and “bad” in the world of kids and tech. But you don’t need to rely on blog posts or app descriptions alone. Pay attention to how your child engages, reflects, and grows with the games they play. Those day-to-day cues will be your best guide.

When video games become part of a broader learning ecosystem—paired with rich stories, screen-free moments, and real parental connection—they can be one more way your child explores the world and finds their way forward.

And in that journey, you’re not alone.