Why You Should Pick Up That Controller GAMING WITH YOUR KIDS
Dan uses hands-on activities to help patients feel better, and have fun. “We do a lot of fun activities, and that helps,” Dan says. “When you do something fun, you’re less likely to feel pain.” Dan shows patients games like balloon tennis and has them practice shooting targets with Nerf guns to help them regain mobility. “We have almost any sport available. Patients are often surprised that they really enjoy balloon tennis. I probably use this activity the most — there’s a lot of rotation that’s good for the back and shoulders. Plus, it’s fun.” After a fun day at work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family. Of course, fitness is a big part of his lifestyle. He does crossfit and other workouts on his own. He’s also a runner and enjoys an occasional half-marathon. We’re so glad to have a fun and passionate PTA like Dan on our team. Thanks for all you do for our patients and our team. video games can have many positive effects on a child, from encouraging critical thinking and social skills to imparting the value of perseverance. Beyond these life skills, video games can also be a way for you to better connect with your child. As game designer and New York Times bestselling author Jane McGonigal, Ph.D., writes, “Games make it easy to build stronger social bonds with our friends and family. Studies show that we like and trust someone better after we play a game with them — even if they beat us.” FIND THE RIGHT GAME Finding the right game to play with your child can be a challenge. Regardless of what platform your child plays on, there’s a nearly inexhaustible list of games to choose from, and some are more child-friendly than others. At the very least, research the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s (ESRB) rating of a game to make sure its content is age-appropriate.
When choosing a game, it’s a good idea to keep your child’s interests in mind. Do they enjoy creating things? Games like “Minecraft,” “Super Mario Maker,” and “Scribblenauts Remix” can act as a great sandbox for you and your child’s imaginations to run wild. Does your child love to solve puzzles? “Snail Bob 2,” “Snipperclips,” and “Portal 2” will have you and your child thinking outside the box for hours. Want to engage in a little friendly competition? “Mario Kart,” “FIFA,” and “Bam Fu” are all excellent choices. GOING BEYOND SCREEN TIME Whether you pick up a controller yourself or just watch your children play games, the most supportive thing you can do as a parent is reinforce the skills they are learning. Understanding that the same creativity and determination that gets them to the end of a level can be applied in the real world is be a powerful thing for a child’s development.
Video games are present in an increasing number of American households. The Entertainment Software Association found that in 2018, 70 percent of parents reported that games were a positive activity in their children’s lives, and 67 percent even play alongside their child at least once a week. Some of you may already be regularly gaming with your kids, but for the rest of you, here are some things to keep in mind. WHY GAMING TOGETHER MATTERS Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and UC Berkeley have shown that
DAN SHARES HOW PT CHANGES LIVES
Dan at Circus Trix!
As a physical therapy assistant, Dan enjoys helping people get better. “That’s what led me here in the first place,” he says. Originally from Montana, service in the Air Force brought Dan to Idaho, and the mountains kept him here. Before pursuing physical therapy, Dan was an athletic trainer. After his service, he earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training at BSU. While he enjoyed working with athletes, he realized he wanted to focus more on the recovery process. That led him to pursue a degree as a physical therapy assistant, and ultimately brought him to Altitude PT. patient improve, and see that improvement, it’s very rewarding to know you were a big part of it,” Dan says of his role. “We have patients who come in thinking there’s no way they can get better,” Dan says. “Then we help them do it. I’m so happy when we can help them see what’s possible. It’s life-changing.” Being part of a patient’s transformation is what Dan loves about his job. “When you help a
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