Leveling Up Your Parenting Skills: What Video Games Taught Me About Being a Mom
As a lifelong gamer and now a mom, I’ve realized that my hours spent in front of a screen weren’t just for fun – they were secretly preparing me for parenthood. Here’s how video games have unexpectedly leveled up my parenting skills.
1. Resource Management
Remember frantically managing your inventory in RPGs? Turns out, that’s excellent practice for packing a diaper bag. Just like in games, you need to prioritize essential items and be prepared for unexpected challenges. My years of inventory organization in KOTOR and Dragon Age have made me a pro at fitting an entire nursery into one bag.
2. Grinding and Patience
Gamers know the value of grinding – repeating tasks to gain experience or items. Parenting is full of repetitive tasks: diaper changes, feedings, and bedtime routines. The patience I developed while farming for rare drops in MMOs has served me well during those long nights of soothing a crying baby.
3. Quick Save and Load
While we can’t literally save and reload in real life, the concept taught me the importance of creating “save points” in my day. I’ve learned to seize those moments of calm to recharge, just like I’d use a save point before a big boss battle.
4. Adapting to Unexpected Plot Twists
Any gamer knows that stories can take unexpected turns. Parenthood is similar – your carefully laid plans can change in an instant. My experience with plot twists in games has made me more adaptable and ready to change strategies on the fly.
5. Tutorial Levels and Learning Curves
Every game starts with a tutorial, but the real learning happens as you play. Similarly, no parenting book can fully prepare you for the real thing. I’ve approached motherhood like a new game – learning the basics, then figuring out the advanced techniques through experience.
6. Boss Battles and Milestones
In games, boss battles mark significant progress. In parenting, milestones like first steps or words are our boss battles. The sense of achievement is similar, and just like in games, each victory prepares you for the next challenge.
7. The Importance of Side Quests
Gamers know that side quests often provide valuable experience and items. In parenting, “side quests” like self-care or date nights are crucial for maintaining your overall well-being and relationship health.
8. Party Management
Many RPGs involve managing a party of characters with different skills. Parenting, especially with multiple children, requires similar skills – balancing different needs, personalities, and schedules.
9. Respawning and Resilience
In games, failure isn’t the end – you respawn and try again. This mindset has been invaluable in parenting. Bad days happen, but there’s always a new day to try again and do better.
10. The Ultimate Reward
Finally, games have taught me that the journey itself is often the reward. Yes, there are achievements and end goals in parenting, but the real joy comes from the daily adventure of watching your child grow and learn.
So, fellow geeky parents, next time someone questions your gaming habits, remember – you’re not just playing, you’re training for the most important role of your life. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to face the final boss of the day: bedtime!
