We need to stop talking about "screen time" as a single, scary bucket. Spending an hour building a complex redstone circuit in Minecraft is fundamentally different from spending an hour scrolling through mindless TikTok clones.

In 2026, gaming is the new playground. It’s where they socialize, create, and—honestly—where they learn to fail and try again. Our job is to make sure they’re playing in a "playground" that isn't full of broken glass and sketchy strangers.

Ages 7+ It’s the GOAT for a reason. Whether they are in Creative Mode building a 1:1 replica of their school or in Survival Mode fending off Creepers, Minecraft is essentially digital LEGOs with infinite pieces. It teaches resource management, geometry, and—if they play with friends—collaboration.

Ages 8+ (with heavy supervision) Look, Roblox is a mixed bag. It’s not actually a "game"—it’s a platform where millions of people make their own games. Some are brilliant (like Adopt Me!), and some are total "Ohio" (weird, glitchy, or inappropriate).

Ages 8+ This is a standout for 2026. For the first time, you actually play as Princess Zelda. Instead of just "hit it with a sword," the gameplay revolves around creating "echoes" of objects to solve puzzles. It’s pure critical thinking. Need to cross a gap? Create an echo of a bed. Then another. Then another. It rewards "outside the box" thinking in a way few games do.

Ages 7+ Think of this as "My First Strategy Game." You lead a tiny army of plant-like creatures to collect treasures and fight bugs. It’s adorable, but it requires serious multitasking and "Dandori" (the Japanese art of organizing things efficiently). It’s basically teaching your kid how to manage a household, but with more primary colors and fewer laundry piles.

If your kid is prone to overstimulation, cozy games for kids are your best friend. These games usually have no "game over" screen and focus on gardening, decorating, or helping neighbors.

Ages 6+ This is the ultimate chill. Your kid moves to a deserted island, befriends talking animals, and pays off a mortgage to a raccoon. It’s slow-paced, follows the real-world clock, and teaches patience. Plus, there’s zero "sketchy" interaction unless you actively open your gates to strangers.

Ages 10+ While the graphics look like an old Super Nintendo game, the depth is incredible. It’s a farming simulator that touches on community, hard work, and even some surprisingly deep themes (like the local town being taken over by a "JojaMart" corporation—sound familiar?). It’s a masterpiece of independent gaming. Read our full guide on why Stardew Valley is a parent favorite

Ages 8+ It’s soccer, but with rocket-powered cars. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s surprisingly difficult to master. It’s a great alternative to shooters like Fortnite because the "violence" is just cars bumping into each other.

Ages 5+ If you want a game the whole family can play on a Friday night, this is it. It’s essentially a digital board game full of mini-games. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and yes, someone will probably get mad that Dad stole their star, but it’s a great way to bond.

When looking at a game your kid is begging for, keep an eye out for these three things:

Learn how to set up spending limits on Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox

You’re going to see a lot of "user-generated content" (UGC) in games like Roblox or Fortnite Creative that references viral memes like Skibidi Toilet.

Is it "brain rot"? Mostly, yeah. It’s nonsensical humor that Gen Alpha finds hilarious. But it’s generally harmless unless it leads them to darker corners of YouTube. If your kid is obsessed with these memes, try to pivot them toward creating the memes themselves using tools like Scratch. It turns them from a passive consumer into an active creator.

Instead of asking "How long were you on that game?", try asking:

Video games in 2026 aren't just a distraction; they are a dominant cultural force. By steering your kids toward titles like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom or Minecraft, you’re giving them tools for creativity and problem-solving.

Don't be afraid to pick up a controller yourself. Even if you’re "trash" (their words, not mine), showing an interest in their digital world is the best way to keep them safe in it.

Ask our chatbot about the safety of a specific game you're worried about