Focus on the Family Malaysia offers guidance on appropriate online gaming and chores for children, balancing screen time with household responsibilities.
Q: Should I allow my child to play online games like Roblox or PUBG? If so, which games are appropriate and how can I maintain control?
Focus on the Family Malaysia: Only you can decide whether to allow your children to play online games. If you do, stay actively involved in choosing appropriate games and monitoring their gaming experience.
Here are a few helpful guidelines:
Always check the ratings: This is a good start but remember that the gaming industry rating system is not infallible when it comes to determining family-friendly content. No matter what the ratings say, parents should research the materials to ensure that the games are appropriate.
Read expert reviews and consult other parents: Take the time to research the games that your child wants to play and also read online reviews. Talk to other parents, especially those with similar values to yours.
Set time limits and gaming rules: Parents should establish the standards. Remember to be consistent with enforcing those rules. You may want to set parental controls if your gaming console or computer game has that option and where they can play.
Try the game yourself or take time to watch your child play: Playing games with your child or at least watching your child play gives you a firsthand knowledge of the content. Your child will be more likely to talk about the game with you if you are aware of what it is about.
Remember, the key to success in this area, as in so many others, is direct parental involvement and open communication.
Q: The pace of life has hit high gear with school now in full swing. With the children’s endless activities and homework requirements, I sometimes wonder if they should have the added burden of doing chores. What do you think?
Focus on the Family Malaysia: We believe that children ought to perform certain tasks around the house simply because they are part of the family. However, it is important for families to prioritise and manage schedules so that life is not overly hurried and out of balance for children or the parents.
But depriving children of the opportunity to grow through domestic contributions is not the best place to cut corners.
Unfortunately, some parents decide it is easier to do the work themselves. That is especially true if the children are uncooperative and getting them involved becomes a chore.
According to one couple, they have had moments when they wondered if it was worth all the trouble – but they never entertained the idea for long. As parents of two young, maturing boys, they have realised that household chores represent some of the most significant opportunities to prepare them for adulthood.
For younger children, simple tasks like picking up toys or making their bed can be an ideal way to build self-confidence. When a toddler successfully completes small jobs they are given, they feel good about themselves and will want to take on even bigger challenges. That is a quality they will need as they move through their primary school years.
If you have older children, you have probably encountered a different scenario. As children enter adolescence, helping parents around the house loses its charm.
Nevertheless, parents should not give in to complaints too quickly. Loading the washing machine or putting cups in the sink may seem insignificant but even mundane tasks can help teenagers develop the maturity they will need as adults to do what needs to be done.
This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: [email protected]
