A lot of parents think gaming is bad for their kids, but gaming has a positive side too. Here are a few from my experience and self observations while playing.
Improving Reflexes
One of the most important thing gaming teaches you is reflexes. Lets say you are in a Dodgeball game. If a ball is coming at you and you play video-games, you will most likely have fast reflexed and dodge the ball better than a person with slow reflexes.
Art of Surviving
Another type of game that people think is bad is Survival games. Lots of people think they are too violent, but some can teach you how to get out of some situations if you get stuck in that situation in real life.
Emotional Control
Another key skill gaming teaches you is learning to control your emotions. I used to get frustrated and angry if things didn't go as I expected or wanted. For example, some games make you restart the whole thing if you mess one tiny thing up, and that can be pretty frustrating. But eventually, you will get used to getting mad, and not do it anymore. So you will also get angry less in real life.
Socializing
Another key thing is that gaming can actually help you make friends. If you know someone already, you can play with them, and also meet new people sometimes! (just don't get kidnapped or something).
Budgeting
Video-games can also teach you about managing/saving money. Most games have some kind of currency, if you have to buy it with USD, or earn it in-game, you will probably have some kind of currency, and video games teach you how to manage money, by not wasting it, and you can use that skill in real life, too!
Developing Patience
Finally, games can teach you patience. Some games have a really long wait, for example if you missed a round that was just going to start, you have to wait for a whole other one. So you will have lots of patience.
Conclusion
Just like any addiction is bad for you, I believe as long as you are not gaming every second of your life, you can develop and hone important real-life skills while gaming. It teaches you about yourself while you have fun at it. Comment about your experiences and thoughts.
Ivaan
Guest Contributor
I am an elementary school student who loves writing, arts, and building things. Follow me on my youtube channel "TheSeriousGamer" where I post about minecraft and other games.