Should I let my kids play Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?
If you’re at all interested in video games, you’ve probably heard a lot of anticipation for the newest Legend of Zelda game, the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Latest in the famed franchise of almost four decades, this installment boasts a number of new abilities and mechanics to interact with the surrounding environment. Gamers are excited.
The complex puzzles as well as the explorative nature of the game both lend to a lot of creative thinking and problem-solving. However, it’s important to be thinking about balance. While this game seems fun, will it be taking away from your kid’s precious learning time? Or will it drag them away from important opportunities to socialize? Approaching the healthy integration of video games into a child’s life can be confusing. Below is some information to help you make a decision if you’re asking yourself the question: should I let my kids play Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?
What does the research say about kids playing video games?
At LearningWorks for Kids, we have previously written about the common concern that video games are bad for kids. Despite many misconceptions, video games are in fact suggested to increase attentiveness, build social relationships, and support the improvement of many thinking skills. Issues with video games aren’t often related to the content of the games themselves, but of an unbalanced approach to screen time. Children and adults alike are spending an increasing number of hours per day with screens, which can have an impact on blank, blank and blank. Screen time and video games, known as digital play, are tools that can support learning and development when utilized correctly. Digital play is an essential part of any kid’s life in the twenty-first century. However, building a healthy routine of play that balances technology with outdoor play, social play, and free play is where children benefit the most.
Each child will have their own unique needs when it comes to screen time. Some may benefit from some more digital play, others less. Children may need highly structured screen time whereas others do better with more freedom. This will depend on factors such as their age, executive functions, and interests.
Wondering about your child’s executive functioning skills? Take our EF Quiz for some more insight.
Our website firmly believes that digital technologies are irreplaceable and highly valuable as far as building learning skills. Plus, being technologically literate is now a part of any academic or workplace setting, and gaming is a great way to teach those basic skills. We offer a number of courses that teach executive functioning skills through video gameplay, which is a great way to glean the benefits of video games.
So what about the Legend of Zelda?
To check if a game is appropriate for your child, the first place to check is the game’s ESRB rating. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was rated E10+ according to their official website. Knowing your child’s abilities will be important here too: perhaps your 9 year old is ready for something like this, or your 11 year old needs something a little simpler. These guidelines are not strict rules as much as they are helpful parameters. Additionally, our website has reviewed many previous games in the Legend of Zelda franchise. We’ve consistently rated them as being great games for kids. They generally support thinking skills, academic skills, and are very enjoyable to play. Each game has its own LW4K age recommendation. Reviewing these can help you make a decision for your family.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a great game for kids.
From the perspective of LW4K, we support families in having their children play this new game. As we recommend with any digital play, video games are best when balanced with plenty of active movement. Additionally, the benefits of parents playing these games alongside their children cannot be understated. Transforming solo digital play into a bonding experience can help to build experiences across a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more content regarding this fantastic new game.
