Esports & Parenting: Fun & Engaging Games to Play with Your Child

According to a recent survey conducted by the Entertainment Software Association, an impressive 77% of parents reported playing video games with their children on a weekly basis. The top reasons cited for this bonding activity were that it’s fun for all involved, gaming provides an excellent opportunity for family time, it encourages socialization with their child, and the child specifically requested their parent's involvement. 

Gaming together is an excellent way to bridge the generation gap and strengthen your bond with your child. By immersing yourself in their favorite video games, parents and kids can share experiences, create memories, and even develop new skills together. Gaming together is just one way to support your child’s gaming hobby.

While there are many great games you can play with your child, in this article we will discuss why Rocket League, Fortnite, Valorant, Overwatch, and Minecraft, are great choices for parent-child gaming sessions. 

Rocket League: Exciting Soccer with Rocket-Powered Cars

ESRB Rating: Everyone

Rocket League is an exciting video game that combines the thrill of soccer with rocket-powered cars, resulting in a unique and fast-paced sports game. Teams compete to score goals using acrobatic maneuvers and teamwork. You can join your child in intense 2v2 or 3v3 matches, communicate strategies, and coordinate plays. Playing Rocket League together can help you and your child foster coordination, teamwork, and a competitive spirit while creating lasting memories.

How can you be involved?

Discuss positioning and rotation with your child, strategize during matches, and celebrate successful plays. Additionally, you can encourage friendly competition and highlight the importance of sportsmanship.

What skills are developed?

Communication, teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and reflexes.

Fortnite: Building and Battling in a Colorful World

ESRB Rating: Teen

If you're looking for a thrilling gaming experience that you can enjoy with your child, Fortnite is definitely worth checking out. This battle royale game has taken the gaming world by storm, thanks to its vibrant visuals and addictive gameplay. You and your child will be dropped onto an ever-shrinking island, where you'll need to scavenge for weapons, build structures, and outlast opponents. Fortnite encourages teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes, so you can jump into duos or squads with your child and conquer the battlefield together. Celebrate victories, learn from defeats, and engage in friendly competition to make parent-child bonding even more exciting.

How can you be involved?

Join your child's squad, communicate during battles, and work together to formulate effective strategies. Show interest in their in-game accomplishments and discuss tactics or game updates.

What skills are developed?

Communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and reflexes.

Valorant: Tactical Shootouts in a Competitive Arena

ESRB Rating: Teen

Valorant offers an exciting blend of tactical gameplay and team-based shooting. In this first-person shooter, players choose unique agents with special abilities and compete in intense matches. Valorant emphasizes communication, coordination, and precise aim, so you can work together to strategize, share information, and execute well-coordinated attacks. Although the game can be highly competitive game and emotional, it also provides opportunities for teaching moments where you can help your child navigate through their emotions.

How can you be involved?

Engage in open communication during matches, coordinate strategies with your child, and celebrate successful plays or rounds. Encourage good sportsmanship and discuss game-related decision-making.

What skills are developed?

Communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination.

Overwatch: Heroic Teamwork in a Colorful Universe

ESRB Rating: Teen 13+

Experience the excitement of tactical gameplay and team-based shooting with Overwatch. This thrilling first-person shooter features a diverse cast of vibrant heroes, each with their own unique abilities that encourage cooperative and strategic play. Partner up with your child and dive into the fast-paced matches, selecting complementary heroes to work together towards achieving objectives. Overwatch places a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and adaptability, challenging you to navigate intense battles and support each other through challenges. Share the thrill of victory and use this opportunity to bond with your child over an engaging game.

How can you be involved?

Discuss hero selection and team composition with your child, communicate during matches, and provide guidance on strategies. Encourage positive communication and celebrate cooperative plays.

What skills are developed?

Communication, teamwork, situational awareness, and reflexes.

Minecraft: Boundless Creativity and Adventure

ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+

Minecraft is a sandbox game lets players build, explore, and survive in an open world full of limitless possibilities. Together, you can embark on epic adventures, mining resources and encountering various creatures as you build impressive structures. Minecraft encourages imagination, problem-solving, and cooperation, making it the perfect way to foster your child's creativity. With this game, you can explore vast virtual landscapes hand-in-hand with your child and create unforgettable memories.

How can you be involved?

Engage in joint building projects, embark on shared adventures, and collaborate on larger-scale constructions. Encourage your child's imaginative ideas and support their exploration.

What skills are developed?

Creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and exploration.

By immersing yourself in your child's favorite games like Rocket League, Fortnite, Valorant, Overwatch, and Minecraft you can connect on a whole new level and create lasting memories. These games provide opportunities for communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and in-game skill development. Along with your child, you can embrace the challenges, celebrate victories, and learn from defeats together. Remember, the ultimate goal is to strengthen your parent-child bond while having fun in the virtual world. 

Get ready to turn screentime into quality time by embarking on exciting gaming adventures!