How can gaming be a positive in kids’ lives?

VP of Education at Valhallan Esports Training, Chris Baarstad, delves into the positive impact of gaming on children's lives. Exploring how esports can teach valuable life skills to kids through competitive gaming, Chris sheds light on the educational benefits of this rapidly-growing youth esports franchise.
About the speaker

Chris Baarstad

Valhallan Esports Training

- Valhallan Esports Training

Chris Baarstad is VP of Education at Valhallan Esports Training

Show Notes

  • 00:30
    Meeting kids in areas they're excited about.
    Advice on connecting with kids through shared interests and fostering growth.
  • 02:15
    Importance of parents spending time gaming with kids.
    Encouragement for parents to engage in gaming with their children to build connections and understanding.
  • 04:45
    Benefits of conversations during gaming sessions.
    Highlighting the value of communication and bonding that can occur during gaming interactions.

Quotes

  • "I don't think there is an age restriction for kids to start gaming. I mean, if they're playing games of value, not a game on the iPhone that has an ad every 10 seconds, and they're totally getting distracted, and we're developing ADHD in our children and all of that." - Chris Baarstad

  • " I can't say it enough that Minecraft is the way to start. I just can't say it enough because there's so much creativity involved in it. Minecraft has kids using rudimentary tools to product develop and to develop coding skills. I mean, they're literally doing coding in those games." - Chris Baarstad

  • "If we get to the kids' level, the kids will listen. I mean, they're not going to listen to somebody who's 30 years old, they're trying to tell them what to do all the time. But if we get down in the trenches with them, and they can see that we're real people, we were kids once, we still love that stuff, too, then they're going to be much more likely to take up the offer, the advice we can offer." - Chris Baarstad

About the speaker

Chris Baarstad

Valhallan Esports Training

- Valhallan Esports Training

Chris Baarstad is VP of Education at Valhallan Esports Training

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