Do you question your children’s entertainment habits?
See them taking the time to watch Ben 10 Ultimate Alien and play Diner Dash and the other internet games and wish they’d do something more fruitful?
Most parents assume that online games and cartoons are bad for their kids.
After all, they should be outside playing, right?
They must be damaging their eyes by staring at the screen for so long, right?
Games for Good
Photo by Flickr user Wesley Fryer
However, the sheer number of benefits associated with game playing is staggering. There are reports that video games can help children to with their hand eye coordination.
Today, there are even games nowadays which help to combat obesity, such as Dance Revolution.
The educational benefits associated with game playing are vast as well. Games tie topics that you want your children to know about into a fun framework that enables friction-free learning.
One area of learning which children can receive a head start with is financial education. Money-based games get accustomed to the way the economy works and how to manage their money.
Why is Financial Education So Important?
Photo by Flickr user Jamie Anderson
It is crucial that children learn about finances and the economy from as early age as possible. Unfortunately, many parents and schools don’t delve into this area until later in children’s lives.
But given the way the economy is changing, the sooner they learn the better.
Your child needs to learn the value of money so that they know how important it is to be cost effective and to save.
You’ll even find that this proves to be beneficial in your home life because they are more likely to back off when it comes to nagging you about the new toys and the games that they want.
Okay, so now you’re wondering how to teach your kids about money.
What Money-based Games Are Available?
Photo by Flickr user Dajan
There is a vast selection of games available which contain some focus on money:
- basic games which revolve around collecting coins
- educational games specifically designed to teach children about the economy and finances
- management games, such as Diner Dash, which revolve around running and owning a particular business
In the case of Diner Dash this obviously relates to restaurants. Nevertheless, there are a vast array of other options, including; spas, retail shops, and cafes.
These are great because they teach your child about revenue, profit and how to spend wisely.
How Do these Games Give Your Child a Head Start?
Photo by Flickr user Maze Walker
Quite simply, they get your child thinking about money.
Without releasing it, your child will become more accustomed to the way the financial world operates. They being to pay particular attention and are more likely to realize the cost of things, how you need to save and how you need to spend wisely.
Next time your child is about to watch Ben 10 Ultimate Alien or play an action game, encourage them to play something which is based around money.
Give them a financial head start for the future.
Guest blogger Emily Steves is a freelance writer. From the best online games for learning to the best ways to monitor children’s video playing habits, she has written on a whole host of cartoon and game related topics.
