News
How Young Is Too Young For Video Games
12/07/2021 - 2 weeks ago
Children arrive as these tiny precious bundles that we are hardwired to love and protect. I remember that first walk with the buggy, the first drive in the car when they were newborns, the first time they ate solid food: terrifying!
6 Things I Wish I’d Know About Video Games When My Children Were Small
28/06/2021 - 4 weeks ago
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. As my children grow up, sometimes all I can see are things I wish I had done better or differently. I know I’ve done a good enough job but parenting is full of ups and downs and we are learning as we go. Each child is different and brings new challenges - and joys!
Video Games Parents Google The Most
22/06/2021 - 5 weeks ago
Here are the games that parents and carers are Googling to find out more about this week. With thousands of parents using the site every day, we have a unique view of what is topping the concerns and interest of family conversation.
What To Do About A Problem Called Esports
07/06/2021 - 7 weeks ago
My son loves Rocket League and as far as I can tell he’s really good at it. But I worry it will end up being a replacement for real sport. When his youth football team came to an end this summer after nine years of Saturday morning matches and weeknight training, I met a bit of a brick wall when I asked what he wanted to do instead. He’d just finished exams and the dangling carrot that had been keeping him going is having lots of time to play Rocket League with no revision to do first.
Video Games Which Aid Mental Health
24/05/2021 - 9 weeks ago
As May is Health Awareness Month we wanted to look at video games through this lens. There is a lot of focus in the media about cutting our screen time to improve our mental health but with so much of our lives functioning via our phones, computers and tablets this isn’t always easy.
Video Games Can Help Your Fitness
10/05/2021 - 11 weeks ago
Like many people, the winter lockdown over the long dark months of January and February had a detrimental effect on my activity levels. I realised that I needed to fully embrace the lockdown walking thing. So I took to trudging around the freezing neighbourhood, feeling more and more like a cliche with each person I passed, also doing the same thing.
Moving Beyond Mindless Video Game Violence
04/05/2021 - 12 weeks ago
As a mum reading headlines about video games; I could believe they are all about combat and violence. Video games are reported to lead people into a dark world of violent thoughts and evil behaviours. This is the reputation video games get and one that I used to be afraid of as my children got into gaming.
Games Worth Playing, Even If You Don't Play Games
26/04/2021 - 3 months ago
It’s easy to assume video games are entertainment for children that (we hope and pray) they will outgrow. The reality is that games are played by people of all ages and many children will likely play their whole lives -- just as we have continued reading books and watching films as we have got older. This means that an important aspect of caring for a child who loves video games is to try some games for ourselves so we know what they are like.
Everyone Can Paint Beautifully In Video Games
19/04/2021 - 3 months ago
I’m a creative person but I am terrible at drawing and painting, if someone suggested doing a fun art activity, I’d say - 'ummm no thanks!' But if that art activity was based around a video game, I would be much more tempted to give it a go. Not that I’m a big video game player but that the idea of doing art within the parameters of a game makes it feel much more doable.
Playing Video Games Across The Ages (And Abilities)
06/04/2021 - 3 months ago
There’s quite a bit of gaming-skill disparity in our house. With me at the bottom of the pile and the husband and kids jostling for the top spots.
These Video Games Take You Somewhere Beautiful
29/03/2021 - 4 months ago
This week we are going to be sharing some of our favourite games to help you escape. Whether that's a form of virtual travel or escaping to an alternate world, there are loads of games to help you find some new scenery.
The Best Video Games to Play As A Family
23/03/2021 - 4 months ago
This week we are going to be sharing some of our favourite games to play together. Whether it's Friday night with the teenagers or Sunday afternoon with toddlers there are a great selection of games to get the family gaming together.
Video Games Parents Googled in February 2021
23/02/2021 - 5 months ago
Here are the games that parents and carers are Googling to find out more about this week. With thousands of parents using the site every day, we have a unique view of what is topping the concerns and interest of family conversation.
February Parents Newsletter
22/02/2021 - 5 months ago
Welcome to the Family Video Game Database February newsletter. It's been a busy month with a lot of new games and trends to tell you about. We also added game prices to the database which, as you can see below, mean we can tell you about some great bargains.
Video Games Parents Googled in January 2021
30/01/2021 - 6 months ago
Here are the games that parents and carers are Googling to find out more about this week. With thousands of parents using the site every day, we have a unique view of what is topping the concerns and interest of family conversation.
January Parents Newsletter
21/01/2021 - 6 months ago
Having our finger on the pulse of what children are playing, what family are enjoying playing, what parents are worrying about and what new games are being releases means we can keep you ahead in the world of video games. This is what you need to know to guide your child's gaming in healthy directions this month.
Thank you for using our resource, supported by AskAboutGames, ParentZone and PlayAbility Initiative. We are editorially independent, written by parents for parents, but welcome sponsorship, partnership and suggestions. Email our editor for details on these opportunities.The information on this database is designed to support and complement the in-depth discussion and advice about video game "addiction", violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. If you have any concerns or questions in these areas, email our editor who is quick to respond or can arrange for a one-to-one conversation.