Question/advice from Gamer Parents on here.

[Evildeadmanwalking77]

My wife and I want to start a family soon since we are getting a little older now and we feel we are ready. She has a concern that since I am such a dedicated gamer that I would make that my priority over a child and I assured her that would NOT happen but I wouldn't just completely stop playing video games either. She doesn't expect me to do that because she respects my passion for it and she even enjoys the occassional game or two herself. Obvioulsy when you get to different stages in your life responsibilities come first before your interests and hobbies. I'm curious how the parents on here balance their gaming time w/ their responsibilities as parents first? I know I would do the right thing but I would like to know how the gamer parents balance it out.

[dsheinem]

I thought I would game less after the birth of my son (now 2), but I basically game about the same amount of time as I did before. There are plenty of games I can play while he's playing with his toys (hooray wireless controllers!), I can play a handheld in the same room when he's watching TV, and like all kids he does a lot of sleeping so I have time during naps and in the evening should I choose to game then.

That said, I can't and don't plan to play games that must be played in long sessions during the day as what he wants to do (play with me, go outside, etc.) can change in an instant. RPGs and the like are best reserved for late-night play.

I also plan to be playing games with him as he gets older, so I am looking forward to that. Even now he'll sometimes pick up a controller and pretend to play along.

[Stark]

I think if you want to game you'll find the time. I agree with several of DSH's points, my girls are usually in bed by 7:30p and don't get up until the morning. Since I usually don't go to bed myself until 11-11:30 that a 4 hour block to game in. I also agree that I've found myself tending to gravitate towards games that can be played in 5 - 10 minute increments and/or have around 10 - 15 hours of total gameplay and restrict my playing of RPG's to ones I really really want to play, like Skyrim.

I think it will help alot to get the kiddos involved in playing videogames, then you're spending quality time with them and getting game time in.

[noiseredux]

I also plan to be playing games with him as he gets older, so I am looking forward to that. Even now he'll sometimes pick up a controller and pretend to play along.

he'll be beating yr ass in MvC3 in no time.

[Crabmaster2000]

Take advantage of nap/bed times to get your fix in. I've heard a lot of other parents swear by portable gaming for the first year also. My son slept very well from about 2 months onwards so I just popped in something like Mega Man 3 or Redsident Evil 2 when he was down for a sleep and never felt deprived.

There are days when you just wont get to play because of family priorities (laundry, groceries, etc.), but it gets easier as your new family falls into a routine.

Also try not to game or just watch TV in general around you child until they are around 2 years old. Lots of evidence to suggest that ADD is linked to early childhood television consumption. After 2 you should be golden though!!

Good luck, its a lot of fun!!

[env963]

Bascially I get to game less. (father of 3, 3 year old and 7 month twins). I get to game after every one goes to sleep! LOL Usually an hour a day on average. Weekends usually 2 - 3hrs if im lucky

[BRIK]

Turn your kids into retro gamers. Problem fixed.

[Evildeadmanwalking77]

I figured alot of people would say once their child is sleeping would be the ideal time. Portable gaming is definite plus, good thing my Game Boys are excellent working order!

Thanks guys, this helps actually. I know I'll find time to get in some gaming and I look forward to sharing the passion w/ my kids once they're old enough. I found ways to balance it when I got my own place, married, etc. so this is just another responsibility that I will work around.

[bryan_65]

It seems at any given second I could have my attention needed for other things. Getting ready to have a little girl myself. I have focused my collection on games I can be playing and come back to real easy. Mostly arcade style games. An example, I was playing SVC Chaos on my Neo and my wife yelled for some help for something she couldn't reach. It would not bother me to just die and start back over. I have even still been alive before and came back to win in the third round. I like having a cab, just turn it on, when I can play I hit the start button and when I need to take care of responsibilities I walk away.