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Side by Side
Exploring Virtual Worlds With Your Teen
By Tiffany Garden
Relating to your child in the teenage years can be tough. Their constant pushing of boundaries and need for independence can drive even the most patient parent batty. Becoming involved in their activities can be a hassle, as well, with everything you say or do driving your child to red-faced embarrassment. In the realm of an online world, however, no one needs to even know that you two are related.
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (or MMORPGs for short) are persistent online worlds that hundreds or thousands of players can interact in. There are quite a few flavors out there, from the traditionally fantasy based (Asheron's Call, Everquest), science fiction (Anarchy Online, Star Wars Galaxy) or more mainstream titles (City of Heroes, Sims Online).
Gaming with your child can be a mutually satisfying experience, sharing knowledge, experience and abilities to solve problems, complete quests and accomplish goals. The teenager often gets a chance to show his parent his skills in these games, letting him show his prowess, and the parents can be more involved in their child's activities.
"Teenagers are much more likely to open up to you about their secrets and concerns when they are doing something fun with you than when they are sat down in a sterile adult way and asked serious questions," says Dr. Rob Goldblatt of Los Angeles, Calif., a noted clinical psychologist and parent.
The shared activity provides a great forum for finding out about your teen's troubles and interests. It's also a rare window into her private life. The way she treats her online friends and guildmates often reflects over to real-life interactions, and that stranger in your midst that is your teenage child slowly becomes a friend, which has a great positive influence on many aspects of her life.
