Reasonable age for video games and advice on what kind

[Tintarella]

I'm a total novice on this- never played games as a kid, don't remember really feeling like I was missing out. But I've realised that most kids do have some sort of a gaming device.

My DD is 9 and has never really expressed much of an interest but my DS is 6 and I reckon at some point he is going to start asking to play games. I am quite keen on a low-screen environment - seems to be suiting them well so far- but don't mind the idea of some sort of device you can hook up to the TV and that friends/family can join in with- does this exist?! You can tell I have no clue.

I'd be keen to hear what you have done with your kids, which games would be a good place to start (Minecraft? Mario?) and in particular if anyone regrets giving something like a Switch to theirs too young (and why).

Yours, Tintarella the Dinosaur.

Sonic is great for teaching resilience and values.
Minecraft good for creativity.
Overall good for hand eye control and problem solving.
I only bought the controllers though as we play on the laptop (download Steam app).

You need strict limits though, they can get too addictive.

Our DS8 has an Amazon Fire Tablet, but it is completely locked down. No Minecraft or Roblox. He has some apps for school on it, Sonic The Hedgehog, CBeebies apps, Chess and few other platform type games.
He also plays on my DHs PS2 and plays things like Crash Bandicoot and the Lego video games like Lego Star Wars and Lego Jurassic Park.
DH and I are quite happy for him to play video games, but we've decided that we don't want him on any online platforms just yet and we've tried to direct him on to narrative driven games, where there's a pay off for completing the level, area, game, rather than doing the same thing over and over with no completion.

Good point - I would avoid the mobile games which are just clicking and don't teach anything. And block any online play or access to fanfiction!! 👀 - it can get VERY inappropriate.

My DD has asked to be allowed to do some kind of gaming. We have held off until now (she's 9) because we wanted her to have plenty of time to play outside and read and do sport. We know many kids who when they start being allowed to do gaming seem to struggle to do or think about anything else.

We're going to see how it goes with strict limits on time, but I'm a bit clueless about what would be good for her to play. Does anyone have recommendations for games that are fun and not addictive?

@Gilleep this is exactly my worry- at the moment they spend lots of time reading, crafting, playing outside, etc, which all feel more positive to me than video games. BUT I know they can be fun and part of socialising too. Minecraft in creative mode is the one I hear most about, maybe also Mario Kart? ??? Sonic I hadn't thought of but @potatoes716 recommended above.

What do others think?

I got my son a switch when he turned 9. I held off as long as I could but he was really starting to feel left out with no devices at all. It was good over winter for hooking up to tv and playing together. I’d say he and friends do gravitate towards it on play dates and I have to encourage them off sometimes. I’ve tried being both very restrictive and very liberal with how much time he’s allowed. Unsurprisingly somewhere in middle works best. Normally he has a one hour daily limit but sometimes he uses less or is not on at all and occasionally he has more. He’s only allowed it at home, we don’t take it for journeys or on holidays .

He likes Mario games and Kirby most but recently found a wholesome educational game he loved. I’m seeing it as just another way to play .

A couple of his friends play online together but for now and possibly forever I’m saying no.

a switch is fab for a 5yo.
my 5 and 7yo enjoy Mario kart, Mario odyssey, Minecraft, yoshi crafted world (cute easy game for 5yo) Pokemon let’s go, Mario party jamboree

Minecraft is fine.
Just make sure that he only plays single player games (or split screen multiplayer that he can play with a friend in the same room). I.E. nothing that needs online access, has user-made rooms, or any form of player chat.
Absolutely avoid Roblox at all costs.

Nintendo Switch is a gaming console aimed at yourer kids I think. Lots of age appropriate games like Minecraft, Mario and Pokemon.

I really wouldn't pre-empt this if they're not currently pestering you about it. Hold out as long as you can.

Animal crossing is another nice world building switch game. My DC play at the same time on their own consoles and cross to each others island. Switches are good because they can be hooked up to the tv or played as a handhold (useful for long journeys).