We talk a lot about "digital wellness," which often sounds like a fancy way of saying "put the phone down." But wellness is also about the quality of the interaction.

When kids play a game like Moving Out 2, they aren't just pushing buttons; they are practicing executive function. They have to plan, communicate ("Pivot!"), and handle the frustration of a shared failure. Research on gaming habits shows that about 70% of kids play with others, but the shift from online lobbies to the literal couch next to them changes the brain chemistry. It turns a "brain rot" session into a social bonding experience.

This is the game I recommend to every parent who just bought a PS5. It is visually stunning, the music is incredible (your kids will be humming Britney Spears and David Bowie), and most importantly, it is forgiving.

In many older games, if one player was "bad," they’d lose all the lives and the game would end. In Sackboy, the better player can carry the team, but the less experienced player still feels like they’re contributing. It’s pure, tactile joy.

If your kids are a bit older and ready for a narrative, Split Fiction is the current heavyweight champion. Developed by Hazelight (the same geniuses behind It Takes Two), this game follows two writers trapped in their own stories.

The coolest part? One player might be playing a sci-fi shooter while the other is playing a fantasy platformer on the same screen. They have to use their unique mechanics to help each other. It’s a literal lesson in how different perspectives can solve a single problem. Just be aware: it’s rated T for Teen, so expect some "buddy movie" intensity and more complex themes.

This game is a stress test disguised as a cooking simulator. You have to chop, cook, and serve meals while the kitchen is literally falling apart or floating down a river.

It’s hilarious, but it can get loud. If your kids struggle with high-pressure situations, this might lead to some yelling. But if they can find their rhythm, it is the most rewarding "we did it!" feeling you can get from a controller.

Check out our guide on managing gaming frustration

You really can’t go wrong with a Lego game. They are the "comfort food" of the gaming world. The humor is top-tier (lots of jokes for the parents), and the "drop-in, drop-out" co-op means you can jump in to help them beat a boss and then go back to folding laundry without interrupting their flow.

Not every game labeled "multiplayer" is good for families.

When picking a game, don't just look at the ESRB rating (E, E10+, T). Look at the mechanical complexity.

Even with the best co-op games, the "just five more minutes" syndrome is real. PlayStation has some of the best parental controls in the business, allowing you to set hard limits on play time.

But beyond the clock, watch for posture and lighting. Couch co-op usually means two kids crammed onto one beanbag. Make sure they aren't straining their necks. And if they are playing Split Fiction, the screen is divided down the middle, which can lead to "gamer lean"—where they tilt their whole bodies to see their side better. Remind them to reset every 30 minutes.

Learn how to set up PS5 parental controls

The goal isn't just to play; it's to learn how to be a good teammate. After a session, ask questions that aren't "did you win?" (Since in co-op, you usually both win or both lose).

Try:

Gaming doesn't have to be a source of conflict in your house. By choosing games like Sackboy: A Big Adventure or the brilliant new Split Fiction, you’re turning the PlayStation into a tool for connection.

You’re moving from "Stop playing that game!" to "I can’t believe you guys actually figured that puzzle out together." And in the world of digital parenting, that is a massive win.