Most of us are familiar with the argument that spending time
on electronic gadgets damages our relationships and demotivates children to use
their own intelligence to solve problems. But how many of us have stopped to
think that there can be alternate effects too, and good ones at that. Though
the argument seems far-fetched, let’s delve a little deeper and understand how spending
time in virtual worlds can actually bring families together and therefore make
a better world for kids. Here are a few ways in which virtual worlds for kids can be used to
your advantages.
Sibling bonding
There isn’t much common ground between siblings during their
growing years. They are often seen fighting about trivial issues though they
eventually outgrow that! In such cases, you can use virtual worlds to bring the
bickering duo together. Mutual interest will act as a crucial catalyst to bring
them together. No matter what their age or gender, involve them in virtual
worlds to allow them to grow a common pastime and bond with each other. They
will spend quality time in front of the screen doing something that they
jointly enjoy and this will help them strengthen their sibling bond. A few
virtual worlds allow avatars to converse with each other that will help the duo
to strike up conversations online and continue them in the real world too.
Parent-child bonding
It’s important for parents to get involved with their
child’s online activities so that they can ensure their safety. It’s also a
chance for the parents to better understand their children – their fascination
of a particular kind of virtual world will speak considerably about their likes
and dislikes. It’s also a chance for the parents to understand whether the kids
enjoy learning any particular subject, do they have a special skill that can be
further sharpened, what is their typical way to approach any problem, etc. The
child will also reciprocate the parent’s keen interest in his pastime and as a
result embrace
the parent-child relationship like one between two close friends.
Social skills
Virtual worlds for kids act as a platform for them to
interact, communicate, and establish social connections with other players.
Most of the virtual worlds have strict social communication guidelines and are
monitored at all times, so they are safe. Such environments are conducive to
establishing meaningful relationships in the virtual world which can have a
positive influence in real relationships too. Some of the social skills that
kids can learn from the safe and educational
environment of the virtual worlds are patience, courtesy, the need to avoid
arguments and other expletives, and how to make the first move in establishing
any kind of communication.
An outlet for
expression
While many kids can confidently express themselves, others
who are introvert may struggle. Most introvert kids find it difficult to express
themselves to parents, friends or siblings. Virtual worlds for kids are a place
where they can be at total ease while communicating and expressing their own
unique personality traits while maneuvering their avatars through various
locations and scenes. For example, they can change their avatar’s dress if they
don’t like the color, skip a virtual class if they don’t like the subject, sit
by the farm and bring up pets if that’s all what they want to do, all of which
would have been difficult for them to voice or do in the real world.
Engage the kids in virtual worlds and make a better world
for them!
