Dad Gamer Diaries: Mastering Love, Laughter, and Gaming with Three Unique Kids
Being a dad gamer with three kids—ages 19, 11, and 8—isn't just about finding time for my own love of sports games, racers, shooters, and strategy titles. It's about something much bigger: creating shared moments, laughter, and memories with each of my kids, each of whom has their own unique gaming preferences.
As different as their gaming styles may be, one thing unites us—the joy we find in playing together. No matter what world we’re diving into, it’s our way of bonding, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The Oldest: 19 and the Tactical Athlete
My 19-year-old is a gamer who loves precision, strategy, and a good challenge. Whether it’s outsmarting opponents in Valorant, surviving the harsh conditions of Rust, or hitting that perfect pass in FIFA, he’s always thinking a few steps ahead. He’s the one who brings the intensity to the screen, and gaming with him can feel like entering a virtual battlefield where tactics are key.
We share a passion for sports games—FIFA, NBA 2K, Madden—and our matches are often neck-and-neck. It’s funny how, even though he’s grown up and his gaming tastes have evolved, sports games still remain a common ground for us. We bond over building dream teams and debating strategies late into the night. I love that he still challenges me to these games, where, for now, I can still hold my own... I actually still beat him. Especialy in Madden/College Football.
But when it comes to Valorant, I’m not even in the same league. I try, and we laugh about it—me fumbling through tactical maneuvers while he’s out there pulling off headshots and clutch plays. Watching him excel in his world gives me a sense of pride. Gaming has become his way of expressing creativity and skill, and I feel lucky to be a part of it.
The Middle Child: 11 and the Creative Dreamer
Now let me tell you about my 11-year-old daughter, the one who brings a special kind of magic to gaming. She’s a whirlwind of creativity, constantly bouncing between Fortnite battles, Roblox adventures, and games that let her design the perfect outfit or craft the coziest home. Her worlds are vibrant, colorful, and full of imagination, and I’m often left in awe of what she dreams up.
What I love most about gaming with her is how much fun we have together. Whether we’re teaming up in Fortnite (where, let’s be honest, she’s the one carrying us to victory), or exploring one of her Roblox creations, there’s always laughter. She’ll switch from serious competition to showing me the house she just built in Bloxburg, complete with a matching living room set that she’s painstakingly chosen. She’s got an eye for detail and a love for fashion and design, and I just try to keep up.
Our time gaming together isn’t just about winning—it’s about seeing the world through her eyes. She shows me how to slow down and appreciate the beauty in things, whether it’s a perfectly designed virtual room or the excitement of trying on a new outfit in a game. It’s moments like these that remind me how special it is to share these experiences with her. We bond over her creativity, her ideas, and her infectious enthusiasm for everything she does.
The Youngest: 8 and the Sports Enthusiast
And then there’s my 8-year-old son, the little sports fanatic. He’s the one who’s all about Madden. MLB the Show, FIFA, NBA 2K—you name it, if it’s got a ball or a scoreboard, he’s into it. He’s also no stranger to Fortnite and Roblox, but sports games are where his heart truly lies.
Our gaming sessions together are full of energy and excitement. Whether we’re playing a season in Madden or battling it out in FIFA, he’s always giving it 110%. And while I’ve still got the upper hand for now, I know it won’t be long before he’s beating me in every match. There’s something magical about passing down a love for sports through video games. It’s not just about the competition—it’s about teaching him the strategies, the teamwork, and the fun of the game.
He reminds me of myself at that age, full of passion and excitement for the sports he loves. Watching him light up when he scores a goal or makes a perfect pass brings me more joy than any victory could. And when he gets distracted mid-game by a random Fortnite dance? Well, that’s just part of the fun of having an 8-year-old around.
The Heart of It All: Bonding Through Gaming
What makes gaming with my kids so special isn’t the individual games we play—it’s the time we spend together. Each one of my kids has their own world, their own way of engaging with the games they love, and I get to be a part of all of it. I’m the dad who plays everything from Valorant to Roblox to Madden, not because I’m great at them all, but because gaming is one of our ways of connecting. (Soccer being the other)
I see it in the way my 19-year-old analyzes every move, the way my 11-year-old brings her imagination to life, and the way my 8-year-old gives everything he’s got to every match. I don’t care if I win or lose, as long as I’m playing with them.
Gaming has given us a shared language. It’s more than just pressing buttons; it’s the laughter after an epic fail, the cheers after a hard-fought win, and the quiet moments where we talk about life in between levels. It’s how we bond, how we share our interests, and how we make memories that will last a lifetime.
Dad Gamer Wisdom: Cherish the Differences
As a dad gamer, I’ve learned that the real joy comes from embracing the differences in what each of my kids loves. They each have their own unique style, and through gaming, I get to be part of their worlds. I get to see their personalities shine—whether that’s through my 19-year-old’s strategic mind, my 11-year-old’s creative flair, or my 8-year-old’s boundless enthusiasm for sports.
Gaming with my kids isn’t just about playing games. It’s about being there with them, sharing their joys, their frustrations, and their victories. It’s about creating memories that go beyond the screen, moments that I’ll hold onto long after they’ve grown up.
In the end, it’s not about the games we play—it’s about the time we spend together. And for me, there’s no better way to bond with my kids than through the magic of gaming. 💖
