I love video games. I grew up playing on the Super Nintendo, N64 and the Gamecube. I currently play on an XboxOne and Switch. My kids had very little experience with video games when they moved in with me. For their adoption gifts, we got them their very own Nintendo DS. One of the games I got for my oldest was Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It was a Christmas gift I got the year it came out and I have played it multiple times and have it for my own DS. She had friends who had played Zelda titles, so I thought it would be a great game to start out with. It is probably my all time favorite game.
Now remember that over the years, I have learned how many executive functioning skills my kids are lacking. For years, my oldest has struggled with Zelda and never made any progress. This last year she went from the beginning to over halfway done now! The ADHD medications have really helped with task persistence and given her access to more critical thinking skills. She also has more patience to keep trying even when she fails and her character dies.
The thing I love about Zelda games are the puzzles. Especially in the Ocarina of Time! In that game you have time puzzles on top of physical puzzles. Zelda also uses a lot of music to solve problems which is fun. There are a lot of characters that you meet over and over again through the titles, especially within a generation of console.
Everyone hates on video games, but they have the ability to teach patience, persistence and critical thinking. It is all about the type of games you play. Like any other form of media, parents need to curate what their children are consuming. Video games are rated for a reason.
Now that my oldest has made progress learning how to play a video game, I can finally introduce her to more of my favorites. (She has gotten other games through the years, but they were ones she picked out and quickly grew bored of.) I am excited to share my hobby!
What was your favorite childhood video game?
Mother of Trauma 
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