Yes. You. Mom, dad. You are a gamer!

What is being a “gamer”? Not really a question often asked, but mostly assumed. As the term “gamer” often refers to someone who plays video games, sits and stares and ‘does nothing but move animated characters’. In fact, we all are living a gamified life, we are all ‘gamers’ without even realizing it.

Mom, the director of the family, the doer, the get it done and make shit happen mom. Dad, the be everywhere, honey do list crusher, hard worker. You, I’m happy to tell you. You’re a gamer! In fact, I’d argue that you play a much wider variety of games than your children or the true “gamers” of the world. 

Starbucks Stars

Duo Lingo daily rewards

Target coupon scans and rewards

Gas station rewards app

Pinterest boards

Grocery store rewards

Receipt scanner apps

The list is endless, and you take part in the system of games, rewards, perpetual loops that all of these apps and companies have built to reward you for playing their game. Go buy 2 food items and a latte and earn 250 stars. Yep, you just played a game, completed a level, and got rewarded. Oh! And you also SPENT MONEY on that game!

I recognized this one night as my wife was doing her daily check in on Duo Lingo and she proudly (rightfully so) explained she has been consistent for 90 days and earned extra hearts.

Wait a second, she earned hearts??? So she has lives… She reached a check point… She’s playing a freaking GAME!!!

Next time you see your kid playing a game and you think they could be doing something “better” or “more productive” think about how many Starbucks stars you’ve earned and haven’t used but also the potential of what skills they are developing. Hopefully you’re learning budgeting and reward compounding.

We live in a gamified world and your kids understand the future of it better than you do! Listen and talk with them about their games they play, through this discussion you’ll learn valuable ways to connect with them while simultaneously learning how to positively parent/guide them as they grow in this world!