If you are raising a child in today’s age, you’ve probably noticed the amount of time children spend on video games every day. They either play the game or watch someone else play it (I still haven’t understood the point of that).
So, people like professional gamers have become role models for our children.
But you might think that being a pro gamer is easy. You need to learn how to play a simple game, right? Well, not quite. Pro gamers spend months, even years, perfecting their gaming strategies.
And most pro gamers haven’t had support from their parents when picking their profession. So, in this article, we’ll discuss how you can support your children’s dreams of becoming pro gamers.
How to Support a Child That Wants to Become a Pro Gamer
If your children want to pursue a gaming career, you must lay out a strong foundation to make their path easier. In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at some things you should keep in mind when raising a pro gamer.
· Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle and Mindset
When you think of a gamer, you probably imagine a person that is out of shape. Well, pro gamers are often aware that the constant sedentary position while gaming is harmful, so they do their best to keep active while also practicing their gaming skills.
So, just like our parents used to tell us not to stay outside the whole day, we need to teach our children the opposite.
Encourage your aspiring gamers to go out regularly and exercise. Walking in the park, jogging, or a sports activity are great for maintaining fitness levels, even when you’re a gamer.
Moreover, don’t forget to remind your children to eat and sleep. Being a gamer is no different than any other job, so gaming is not an excuse for avoiding sleep. Also, you still are your child’s parent.
So, you have the right (and absolute power) to limit your children’s gaming time. Studies show that children shouldn’t use tech for more than 2 hours on a weekday and nothing more than 3 hours during weekends.
· Fostering a Love of Gaming
If you want your child to become a pro gamer, you must install the love for gaming in your child from a young age, just like most dads install the love of shouting at the TV when their favorite team is losing in their children.
So, start off your child with age-appropriate games. And don’t forget to create a positive gaming atmosphere by setting limits and boundaries regarding screen time.
Pursuing a Career in Gaming
We discussed how to set a strong foundation for your child’s gaming. So, now let’s look at ways your child can start and grow a career in gaming.
· The Gaming Industry and the Skills it Demands
The gaming industry is growing more and more each day. That means a lot of career paths have opened up. For example, your child can also become a gaming coach or analyst.
But we all know that children like to play the game more than analyze it. So, when building a career in gaming it’s crucial to map out tournaments and leagues your child can join for the games they like.
Also, identify potential sponsors and organizations that might recognize your children’s gaming talent and give them a pro contract.
Now, if you want your children to succeed in the gaming industry, you must provide them with appropriate coaching, which will polish their skills.
Also, children should pick games and styles of play they like and are good at. And don’t forget, anything can be achieved with practice and dedication.
Challenges of Becoming a Pro Gamer
We saw how your children can start and grow a gaming career. In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at how your child can navigate challenges that come along the way.
· Balancing School and Gaming
As much as your children like gaming, they have to face the cruel reality. Although a lot of pro gamers make millions playing their favorite games, not all gamers make a name for themselves.
So, dropping out of school to pursue a gaming career is a huge no-no. Instead, encourage your children to put school as a priority and gaming as a hobby, or as modern children like to call it, a side hustle.
Also, let children and school counselors know about your child’s dreams but also the importance of your child’s education.
· Dealing with Criticism and Negativity
Let’s go back to the dads shouting at the TV when their favorite team is losing. Gamers, such as athletes, often get criticized online.
Statistics show that 60% of teens have been harassed while playing online games. So, make your children aware of cyberbullies and online haters.
Tell your children to avoid arguments and build a healthy self-image. If your child is harassed, give all the love, comfort, and support you can.
Future of Pro Gamers
Up to this point, we looked at how your children can start and slowly build their gaming careers. Now, let’s discuss how to plan the future in the gaming industry.
· Creating a Career Roadmap
Having a job in the gaming industry is like any other career. Your child must set short-term and long-term goals.
Moreover, your children must engage in making connections in the gaming industry while also participating in famous events. That can help them create a great resume for the future.
· Exploring Education and Training Options
Believe it or not, some degrees may help your children become more successful gamers. For example, degrees like Video Game Development and Computer Science can make your children better gamers and better people too.
Also, staying up-to-date with industry changes and following other pro gamers is a habit your children should have if they pick a career in pro gaming.
Conclusion
Most parents want their children to be doctors or engineers. But some children have the talent to play games better than others.
So, instead of crushing your children’s dreams, encourage them to pursue their passion, but also set realistic expectations and boundaries.
And who knows, maybe your children will bring home millions just by playing those seemingly simple games on their computers.
FAQs
What are some potential career paths in esports and gaming?
Your child can become a professional gamer, gaming coach, advisor, analyst, or strategic planner.
How can parents balance their children’s education with their gaming aspirations?
Parents can do this by setting education as a priority, above gaming.
What are some ways to deal with online toxicity and harassment?
Simply block or mute any harassers. They don’t deserve your child’s attention anyway.
What education and training options are available for aspiring pro gamers?
You can find many training options with a quick search on your search engines. And there are even higher education opportunities for gamers, such as the College Of Esports.
