Many parents are rightly concerned about how long their kids spend indoors playing video games. It’s a form of escapism, enabling them to pause the stresses of their daily life or even socialise with friends online, all while evading real-life obligations.
Still, escapism can be a positive thing if it’s engaged with healthily. As with all interests, it’s important that everything is enjoyed in moderation – but games often aren’t.
The best answer to these problems is not to discourage escapism as a context. Instead, greater emphasis should be placed on diversifying interests, where a richer pallete of escapist experiences can be enjoyed more measuredly. Here are some sys you can nurture healthy escapism in your kids.
Engaging with Books
Books are losing their audience. Sadly, in 2020 it was reported that only a quarter of children are now reading daily, highlighting just how far books have fallen from popularity.
If your children seem to be disinterested in reading, there are a few things you can do that might encourage them. You could:
- Read to them – If your kids are young enough, you may inspire their love of reading by doing this. Read one chapter, and they may be compelled to read the next two or three themselves.
- Downloading audiobooks – Books can now be consumed audibly, even sometimes read aloud by the person that wrote them or starred in its movie adaptation. This effort may pique their interest.
- Discuss the book – Showcase your passions for certain characters, plot lines, themes, or theories. It could be a bonding opportunity.
Try to paint books as an enjoyable hobby rather than a chore or school subject. After that, your kids may be more inclined to get on board.
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms can offer enormous amounts of family fun. They can also be themed in line with your kid’s favourite video game characters, helping the transition from video games to real-world games go much more smoothly.
If your kids are over 12, they can enjoy Tomb Raider: The Live Experience so long as an adult accompanies them. Here they can embark on an adventure that demands puzzle-solving and conquering physical challenges. Accessibility options are also available so that as many people as possible can immerse themselves in the experience.
Not only is this great escapism, but it also gets them out of the house and team working with those around them. You can also literally step into their world if you’re unfamiliar with their hobbies and bond as you revel in these exciting events together. Something like the Tomb Raider London experience can show that you can be fun too.
Teach Them Creative Skills
Kids often have an early appreciation for art in films, music, and more. It’s wonderful. But what if they could create something special themselves?
You could play an active role here. Script and shoot a home movie with them, teach them an instrument, or guide them through the intricacies of drawing. There are so many possibilities.
These efforts promote escapism in their lives. You’re also imbuing them with skills that can help them express themselves. Don’t hesitate to liberate their creativity and validate their aptitude for escapism, highlighting it as a real asset in their lives.
