What Child Development Experts Say About Educational Video Games

When Screens Make You Wonder: Are Educational Video Games Worth It?

If you're raising a child between the ages of 6 and 12, chances are high you've had at least one conversation, argument, or sigh-heavy negotiation over video games. Maybe your child (like so many others) is drawn to their tablet with magnetic intensity. And maybe you’ve wondered if there’s a way to let them play while also learning something valuable—especially if school can sometimes feel like a struggle for them.

This is where educational video games often enter the conversation. Not as a perfect solution, but as a potential bridge between a child’s natural interests and their learning needs. But do these games actually help? What do child development experts—and researchers in neuroscience and education—really say?

Understanding the Appeal of Educational Games

Children are wired to play. It's not just for fun—it’s one of the primary ways their brains grow, test limits, and learn. Educators and psychologists agree that when learning is fun, motivation increases. And that's particularly important for kids who feel defeated by traditional methods like worksheets or rote memorization.

Educational video games tap directly into those play-based learning principles. Instead of passively absorbing information, children can:
- Experiment without fear of failure
- Receive immediate feedback
- Stay engaged across longer periods of time
- Develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

For children with learning difficulties or school-related stress, this kind of interactive and low-stakes environment can be incredibly empowering. According to several studies, games designed with pedagogical foundations (for example, those focusing on literacy, math, or science) can complement schoolwork rather than distract from it.

Still, not all games marketed as "educational" actually meet educational standards. And not every child benefits in the same way. As with many things in parenting, it’s all about fit, balance, and observation.

What the Research Shows (and What It Doesn’t)

Experts caution against viewing educational games as a magic fix. However, research supports certain benefits—especially when games are used with intention and boundaries. For example, a recent article from LISN Kids explores how children actually learn from games and, more importantly, how parents can make it count at home.

Some findings from the field include:

• Literacy and Language: Games that involve reading dialogue, constructing stories, or solving verbal puzzles can boost literacy. In fact, some experts suggest that such games can aid language development, particularly for reluctant readers.
• Math and Logic: Puzzle-based or strategy games help develop reasoning, arithmetic, and executive functions like working memory and task-switching.
• Emotional Regulation: Games that encourage patience, trial-and-error learning, or team collaboration can help kids practice emotional self-regulation, especially if guided by an adult.

However, there are limits. Educational value tends to drop off when gameplay becomes compulsive, isolated, or disjointed from real-world application. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to stay involved—not necessarily by playing, but by guiding, relating, and helping translate what’s on the screen into daily life.

Blending Games with Real-World Growth

One of the most helpful ways to make sense of video games—educational or not—is to connect them with real-life experiences. For instance, if your child enjoys a storytelling game, talk about their favorite characters at dinner. Ask them to write their own scripted dialogue in a notebook. Build a LEGO scene inspired by the game. These connections help solidify learning and transfer knowledge beyond the screen.

You might also consider diversifying the types of media your child consumes. If screen fatigue is setting in or you’re looking for a gentler, more passive form of enrichment, try audiobooks as a supplement. The iOS and Android versions of the LISN Kids App offer original audio stories and series designed for kids ages 3–12. Designed to spark curiosity and build vocabulary while giving children's eyes a much-needed break, this can be a calm, screen-free option for bedtime or quiet time.

Setting Boundaries Without Battles

Like all entertainment, educational games require limits. The key is to approach screen time not just as something to restrict, but as something to shape. Instead of abrupt cutoffs or lectures, frame screen time as part of a full, balanced day. For concrete strategies, the article "How to Stop Video Games From Getting in the Way of Homework" suggests respectful boundaries that preserve family harmony and learning momentum.

Let your child know the goal is not about punishment or deprivation—it’s about helping their brains and bodies grow strong in every area, not just their thumbs. Help them be part of the plan. What time of day feels most restful for gaming? How can they show that school responsibilities are being met first?

When Your Child Learns Better Through Games Than at School

Some parents find themselves in a surprising situation: Their child—especially one who struggles in school—actually thrives when introduced to educational apps and games. If that’s your reality, know that you’re not alone. Children learn differently, and responsiveness to digital formats may point to specific learning strengths or preferred ways of absorbing information.

Rather than fearing this difference, you can explore it. The article "What to Do If Your Child Learns Better Through Video Games Than at School" offers thoughtful reflection and action steps for bridging that gap between classroom struggles and at-home learning success.

Final Thoughts: Play, Learn, Adapt

Educational video games aren’t perfect, but neither are they enemies. For many children—especially those who feel overwhelmed or unseen in traditional school settings—they offer a glimpse of confidence, control, and curiosity. With the right structure and the right tools, they can move from guilt-ridden time-wasters to creative allies.

In the end, learning isn’t a single road. And educational games may very well be one of the winding, joyful paths your child takes—especially if you walk it with them.