u/ropname

As a Gamer Dad that plays games with his son since age of 5... there is one thing that has increasingly bothered me about the usual screen-time conversations... How often everything gets reduced to:
“How many hours should my kid be allowed per day?”

So... to properly tackle the question, l joined hands with Cristina Iancu (psychologist and psychotherapist with 16 years of experience with children and families), resulting in the below article & guide, which is more of a Gamer Dad perspective, but also vetted by a professional. 😁

Check it out here: https://ropname.substack.com/p/the-gamer-dads-guide-to-healthy-screen

We talk about parental involvement, playing together, talking together, balance, creativity, age-appropriate progression, social media, AI, and the relationship between the child, parents and screen.
But, most importantly, we talk about something I’ve experienced myself, and from which I learned a lot.

I hope you find it as useful as me, even guides you on your parenting path, for the betterment of all our young ones.
PS. As always, personally recorded narration by me and Cristina is available, if you prefer to listen.

Years ago, I followed the Enigma Expedition in Elite Dangerous, where hundreds of commanders came together to help CMDR DoveEnigma13 reach Colonia during his battle with terminal cancer.

While revisiting the story recently, I discovered an unexpected update that made the story even more meaningful: A Second Miracle.

So, I ended up creating a narrated cinematic video telling the full story, using Elite Dangerous scenery, music and ambiance, and footage from the event and location.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDFsTvMT50U

Hope you enjoy!
And if you can, any feedback is appreciated.

Far from home, on the very edge of our Sol’s reach… a strange signal awaits. 🚀

I’ve taken a personal story I've experienced in Elite Dangerous and turned it into an immersive video experience - full of atmospheric sound, sound effects, in-game vistas, and narration that drops you right in the cockpit.

Like the idea? Then see what’s waiting on the edge of Sol!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCsJPVWgy-4

PS. let me know how it turned out. 😀

Over the past few weeks, I've been writing the story of mine and my son's first Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

D&D is indeed one of the greatest storytelling tools and games our there, and it is awesome to use for growth and parenting:
https://ropname.substack.com/p/the-road-between-dice-and-a-map

Hope you enjoy and encourages you to play not only games around a monitor, but also around a table. ;)

PS. As usual, I've added a lot into the Audio Voiceover, so I Recommend a listen with a pair of Headsets for Music, Immersive Ambiance and my Kid's acting prowess. xD

One of the most rewarding things about being a parent is watching confidence grow through play.

When I first introduced Junior to Doors: Paradox, he wasn't impressed... A game about unlocking doors? Not exactly the most exciting sales pitch. 😄 But 5 min into it, he was already asking to SOLVE THEM ALL!

If you're looking for a thoughtful simple game to play, or even share with a kid, 🙃 this is surely worth a look.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJsdJUiFJPs

My Junior is 10 year-old and this was the 1st time he surpassed his old man! :D

It’s such a simple concept: The Floor is Lava, with with Trucks... all kids love both of these, so the combo makes perfect sense to play with your kids.

What surprised me most is how well this also works as a stress-relief game, after work. But sharing it with Junior... seeing his reactions like: “Dad... this is AWESOME!” was a blast.

If you like the idea, check out my new Gamer Dad Review, and Listen to the Narration for Junior’s awesome reactions. (personal recorded narration)
https://ropname.substack.com/p/a-gamer-dads-review-clustertruck