Lessons from 80’s and 90’s Video Games: Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids
The 80s and 90s were a golden era for video games, bringing us classics like “Super Mario Bros.,” “The Legend of Zelda,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.” These games weren’t just about entertainment; they also offered valuable life lessons that resonate with the experiences of neurodivergent kids. Let’s dive into the pixelated worlds of our favorite retro games and uncover strategies that can help neurodivergent children navigate their own adventures.
Introduction: The Power of Video Games
Embracing the Game of Life
Video games have always been more than just a pastime. They challenge us, teach us resilience, and often mirror real-life scenarios in their own unique ways. For neurodivergent kids, the lessons learned from these games can be incredibly impactful, providing strategies for problem-solving, coping with challenges, and celebrating their unique strengths.
Think of life as a giant, never-ending video game, where each day brings new levels, quests, and, yes, those pesky boss battles.
Level 1: The Value of Persistence – “Super Mario Bros.”
Never Give Up
“Super Mario Bros.” taught us that no matter how many times you fall into a pit or get knocked out by a Goomba, you always have another chance to try again. Persistence is key, and every failure is just a step closer to success.
Encourage neurodivergent kids to keep trying, even when they face setbacks. Remind them that it’s okay to fail and that every attempt brings them closer to their goal.
When my daughter was learning to ride her bike, she fell more times than we could count. But just like Mario, she kept getting back up and trying again. Her persistence paid off, and now she rides with confidence.
Small Steps to Success
Each level in “Super Mario Bros.” is a series of small challenges that lead to a bigger goal. This approach can be incredibly helpful for neurodivergent kids who may feel overwhelmed by large tasks.
- Break Tasks Down: Help your child break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each small victory along the way.
- Set Achievable Goals: Set realistic and achievable goals to build their confidence and motivation.
Think of each step as collecting a coin in Mario’s world—every little bit counts towards the ultimate victory.
Level 2: Strategic Thinking – “The Legend of Zelda”
Problem-Solving Skills
“The Legend of Zelda” series is all about strategic thinking and problem-solving. Each dungeon and puzzle requires careful planning and a strategic approach.
Encourage your child to develop their problem-solving skills by approaching challenges with a strategic mindset. Teach them to think critically and explore different solutions.
My oldest daughter loves puzzle games, and we often play “The Legend of Zelda” together. Watching her figure out complex puzzles and navigate tricky dungeons has helped her develop strong problem-solving skills.
Patience and Exploration
In “The Legend of Zelda,” rushing through without exploring often leads to missed opportunities and valuable items. Patience and thorough exploration are key.
- Encourage Patience: Teach your child the value of patience and thoroughness. Encourage them to take their time and explore all options before making a decision.
- Reward Exploration: Reward their curiosity and exploration, whether it’s in a game, a book, or a real-life scenario.
Just like Link, sometimes the best treasures are found off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to look under every rock and behind every waterfall.
Level 3: Embracing Uniqueness – “Sonic the Hedgehog”
Speed Isn’t Everything
“Sonic the Hedgehog” is known for his incredible speed, but the game also teaches that speed isn’t always the best approach. Sometimes, slowing down and taking a careful approach is necessary to navigate obstacles.
Teach neurodivergent kids that it’s okay to go at their own pace. Everyone’s journey is unique, and what matters is finding the approach that works best for them.
My younger daughter often feels pressured to keep up with her peers, especially in school. We remind her that, like Sonic, she has her own unique strengths and pace, and that’s perfectly okay.
Celebrating Individuality
Each character in the Sonic series has unique abilities and strengths. Celebrating these differences is a key part of the game’s charm.
- Highlight Strengths: Focus on your child’s unique strengths and abilities. Celebrate their individuality and what makes them special.
- Encourage Diversity: Encourage an appreciation for diversity and different ways of thinking. This can foster a sense of acceptance and self-worth.
Think of your child as the Tails to Sonic—unique and valuable in their own right, and together they make an unstoppable team.
Level 4: Building Resilience – “Mega Man”
Learning from Defeats
“Mega Man” is notorious for its difficulty, but it teaches an important lesson: every defeat is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Help your child view setbacks as learning experiences. Encourage them to analyze what went wrong and think about how they can improve next time.
When my daughter struggled with English Language Arts, we turned each mistake into a learning moment. By analyzing where she went wrong, she was able to understand the concepts better and improve her skills.
Adapting to Challenges
“Mega Man” often requires players to adapt their strategies based on the bosses they face. Flexibility and adaptability are key to success.
- Encourage Flexibility: Teach your child to be flexible and adaptable. Help them understand that sometimes they need to change their approach to overcome challenges.
- Problem-Solving Strategies: Equip them with a variety of problem-solving strategies so they can adapt to different situations.
Just like Mega Man switches weapons to defeat different bosses, your child can switch strategies to tackle various challenges in life.
Conclusion: Embracing the Game of Life
The lessons learned from 80s and 90s video games are timeless and can provide valuable strategies for neurodivergent kids. From the persistence of Mario to the strategic thinking of Link, the unique abilities of Sonic, and the resilience of Mega Man, these games offer a wealth of wisdom that can help children navigate their own journeys.
By embracing these lessons and applying them to real-life scenarios, neurodivergent kids can build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and celebrate their unique strengths.
Kori
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