How to Keep in Touch With Sports Gaming as a Parent

[Steve_OS]

Given that I’ve spent the past few months missing in action here at Operation Sports, it’s...

Written By: Brandon Kosal

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[coopsta007]

Great read!* I have two young kids* as well and can relate.* *For me, jumping into quicker game modes was my immediate fix.* Right now, I'm playing MLB The Show 19, an d no longer focus on playing 162 games in a franchise season or building a RTTS player from the ground up.* Instead, I've hopped into quicker game modes such as "Moments" missions and "Road to October".* Both game modes can be played fairly quickly and don't require a huge time investment.* More importantly, you can break away from these game modes quickly and not feel guilty about turning off your PS4 (or keeping it running) if fatherly duties call.

Another thing I have done to maximize my gaming time is divide my PlayStation systems up between upstairs (PS2/PS3) and downstairs (PS4) of my home.* Having two gaming areas comes in handy when my kids or wife want to watch TV and I feel like gaming for a little bit.* My end goal is to have a single setup upstairs for everything.* If you don't have an area for multiple setups, look into adding games on your PC or even iOS/Android device as well.* I've gotten my oldest into video games and tablet app stores have a ton of addicting games for kids.

My last piece of advice for parents who enjoy sports gaming is to learn to "come to terms" with your current situation.* When my wife and I had our first child, I tried my hardest to squeeze the same amount of gaming hours out as before.* This led to some late nights and when you have newborn child, a full-time job and other things on your plate, it honestly is not worth it.* Fast forward to last year when my wife and I had our second child, my gaming hours declined to the point where there were some weeks I didn't even turn on my PlayStation.* Its a weird feeling and something that you eventually find peace in as you are starting to value time with your kids, sleep, etc. instead of a new yearly sports title.**

[CMH]

This is real right here. My daughter is turning 2 in a month and the last two years have been an adventure in video gaming. It gets better. As they get older and a little more independent, you find more time to sneak away and game.


I've given up on sports game for now because the time commitment doesn't make sense for me. Plus, it's very difficult to know for sure if I have an hour to game. As independent as she might be now, she's still going to randomly cry for no reason and I have to (and want to) be there for her. Combine that with my biggest fear in gaming being that it's the 4th quarter and the game suddenly shuts down, I'd be panicking if I'm playing with her while my (very important) game is on pause. What if the power goes out!

There's still joy to be had in the games out there. And if the there's in-game saves, then you're set. I'm actually looking forward to getting back into sports games soon again. I just don't think I'll be doing any of the MyPlayer stuff for a long time. Maybe not till she's old enough to want to create her own player.

[davep]

I understand you're talking about 'free time' but you'll never get the time back with your child(ren), value them above all else.  Or sit in front of a computer and have serious regrets later on.  Your choice.  I choose the former and it's not even close.

[binga30]

Great article and well said Dave, you will never get this time back with your young children, one day they will be adults and you'll wonder where the time went. Got a 20 month old here, and I found the best approach is no gaming while she is awake. Hence most of my gaming is from 7-9pm on days where I can be bothered. Sometimes even gaming seems too much.

[inkcil]

Yup it's tough...I got 3 small kids under 8 yrs old and really buying the Switch is the only way I've really been able to game.  It's portable, I can game in the living room and still be engaged with the family in the evening.  Plus with the Switch on a stand I'm not "taking over" the TV with my video games.  
Here's hoping more sports games come to the Switch.  

[pslieber]

Re: How to Keep in Touch With Sports Gaming as a Parent

Great post. When my kiddo was born 19 months ago, my online sports buddies said, "see you in two years." They weren't wrong.

I'm finding - as most said here - quick hit modes are best, and/or action/adventure games that could be picked up/put down 15 min at a time.

Most importantly - likewise echoed here - the time spent with your little lad/lass at this age is priceless. It means so much to them, and you'll miss it if you don't invest in it.

I spent too much time as a kid holed up playing video games by myself. I won't do that to my kid.