Video Games

Try connecting with your kids using video games, instead of hounding them to get off. There are many video games the whole family can enjoy, or perhaps you can use this moment as one on one time with your child. Take turns spending individual time with each of your children, playing video games they enjoy.

Everyone loves a little extra attention, children love knowing you care about what they care about. Video games can be that thing you've been looking for. That means of opening up the doors of communication between you and your children.

Try playing a round of video golf, fishing or baseball. How about a simulated video family? Your initial conversations with each other may only be about the video games you play, but as you spend more time together, surely other conversations will follow. And now you are truly communicating with the children you thought you couldn't reach. All because of the video games you thought were keeping you apart.

Taking an interest in your children's interest is part of good parenting. Today that means video games. Video games level, or even turn, the playing field. Size doesn't matter. Video games offer a child a chance to be equal or better than a parent. What a self esteem booster that is.

Once you have opened a relationship and communication with your children through video games, don't stop there. Did your child love the baseball video game? Go get some gloves and get outside and play catch. Golfing? Go play mini-golf or hit a bucket of balls. Fishing? Fish.

The video games you once dreaded have now become your friend, and so has your child. Imagine that!