Mom Approved Online Video Games You Can Play with Your Kids

Are you one of those parents who are against online video games? I hope you're not. If you ask me, I believe that video games do have benefits even for small children. In fact, I never prohibited my son from playing video games. All in moderation, of course. And when you are firm with rules while they're young, you'll have no trouble reminding them to shut off the console when it's time to rest, eat, or study. Believe me.

Can video games be good for kids?

I think so! Even KidsHealth.org think, too. There are video games that help improve a child's hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. There are a lot of educational video games that help teach a child a new language or help them with reading or their maths. 

Again, everything in moderation. Parents should set limits on time spent not only on playing video games but also on other forms of media online. Our rule for our boy was simple... 1 is to 1. One hour of online video gaming is equal to 1 hour of school work, chores, or nap time. And no gaming before 10am or after 10pm. He got used to it that he still does it up to now, except the after 10pm rule, LOL!

So, without further ado, I present to you my recommended online video games that you can play with your kids.

For Developing Problem Solving Skills - Playful Kitty

Playful Kitty is a delightful logic online puzzle game that can help your kids exercise their thinking skills. The object of the game is to get the ball of yarn to roll down to the cat for him to play and be happy. This can be done by breaking bricks and boards. 

This game has 24 levels of difficulty but the lower levels are easy and your child may only need some coaching in the higher levels. There's playful music that's playing in the background while the game is on and the kitty meows once in a while. It's really enjoyable and, I think, even cat lovers will like this game.

For Developing Creativity - Pixel Art Maker

Pixel Art Maker - Free Online Sprite Editing App is an online pixel art creator where your child can create free style drawing on the app's grid using color squares. It reminds me so much of my childhood days when I and my siblings would also draw pixel arts. This time, it's more enjoyable because it has colors! You can save your kid's art, too.

Here's a suggestion... Use this online game for a good 'ol game of Charades with your family. I bet it would be so much fun!

For Improving Spelling and Reading - Space Words

Space Words is a fun spelling game for kids. Players need to shoot letter-bearing asteroids to complete the name of the object that's flashed above the screen. Blasting the wrong asteroid letter loses a life and players only get 10 lives at a time so you'll have to be careful.

Personally, I feel that older kids will enjoy this game more because there are long words in the game's word bank. Also, controlling the spaceship and shooting asteroids may be a challenge. Still, I'm giving my thumbs up for this game for making spelling a very cool and thrilling activity.

For Playing with Your Kid - Foosball 

Foosball is a foosball game made virtual! I'm not really good with foosball but, I have to admit, it gives me the adrenaline rush! My husband and son loves this game and they played it together. Boys do love this kind of games, right? And since my son is older, it is rowdier than ever! 

I have to warn you, though. Make sure you use an external keyboard for this game if you're using a laptop or you risk getting your computer's keyboard destroyed, LOL! Nevertheless, it's a fun and a cool activity for parents and children.

One last tip... keep a watchful eye

I have always made it a point to check the online games that my son plays. I make sure that it's non-violent or have suggestive messages. I also make sure that  he will not be able to accidentally click any link that could lead him to a malware or a shopping site. Lastly, and we also apply this rule for all his online activities, gaming is done in  our shared work area or the family living room so we can easily see what he's doing just to be safe.

By the way, the games I recommended here are all FREE to play on Plays.org. I like the simplicity of the site and that the games really are free for playing. I know a lot of parents my age will also get nostalgic as some of our beloved arcade games can also be found here.

So enjoy playing with your children. Spend as much time with them as you still can because they grow up quickly. Take advantage of this free online game site that you can use for your bonding activity with them.