Esports for Parents
The Benefits of Collegiate Esports: A Guide for Parents
Introduction
As a parent, you may have concerns about your student’s interest in esports. However, esports, or competitive video gaming, has numerous benefits that can contribute to your student’s success and development. Here are some reasons why you should support your student's passion for esports.
1. Cognitive Development
Esports can enhance cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and memory. Games often require players to make quick decisions, analyze complex situations, and remember intricate details, which can translate to improved cognitive abilities.
2. Teamwork and Communication
Esports is often a team-based activity that requires effective communication and collaboration. Players learn to work together, delegate tasks, and communicate clearly and effectively, skills that are valuable in many aspects of life.
3. Discipline and Perseverance
To excel in esports, players must show discipline and perseverance. Just like in traditional sports there is a schedule they must abide to and be held accountable to. They need to practice regularly, continuously learn and adapt, and handle losses gracefully. These are valuable life lessons that can help your student in their future endeavors.
4. Academic Opportunities
Esports is a growing field and with it comes new opportunities for students to excel. Many colleges offer scholarships for students that excel in competitive gaming. These scholarships, like traditional sports, are tied to academic success such as maintaining a high GPA. As time goes on colleges are starting to partner with Esports organizations for potential partnerships and discovering new ways that students can find academic success.
5. Career Opportunities
The esports industry is growing rapidly, offering various career opportunities. Besides being a professional player, there are roles in game development, media, event management, coaching, and broadcasting. Supporting your student’s interest in esports could lead to a fulfilling career in a booming industry.
6. Physical Health
Contrary to popular belief, esports players often follow healthy lifestyles to stay competitive. Collegiate Esports programs educate and encourage students to follow a healthy diet and exercise activities. Good physical health can contribute to better gaming performance, so players often maintain balanced diets and regular exercise routines. In a collegiate space it is encouraged to get out and be active and not play all day.
Conclusion
While it’s important to ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life, esports can offer significant benefits. As a parent, understanding and supporting your student's passion for esports can help them develop valuable skills, find potential career paths, and lead a balanced lifestyle. Many tropes of gamers are out there and in fact can be real, but with collegiate esports many of those myths are dispelled as they do not promote a healthy environment and fit what a professional institute is trying to build.
Remember, the key is to maintain open communication with your student about their interests. This way, you can guide them towards making the most out of their passion for esports. So, why not give esports a chance? You might be surprised at the benefits it can bring to your student’s life.