Moms Are Gamers Too, And It’s Part of Our Self-Care

We all recognize the different types of moms out there: the helicopter mom, the tiger mom, the soccer mom, the wine mom, the free-range mom, and the granola mom, to name a few. However, one group you might not be familiar with is the gamer moms, who have been around longer than you might think.

The term “gamer mom” might seem contradictory at first. Most people envision their sons as gamers, donning energy drinks and munching on family-sized bags of chips while they dive into the latest video game in the basement. They get lost in games like Valorant, Roblox, or FIFA, and when dinner is ready, it often takes multiple calls to bring them back to reality. But while I easily identify my sons as gamers, I’ve never considered myself one. My visits to the basement are limited to laundry, and I often view my mobile gaming sessions as just a way to pass the time during that afternoon slump. Yet, the reality is that gaming encompasses not just consoles, but also mobile, tablet, and PC platforms. Since I use my phone for gaming and have two sons, I fit right in with the gamer moms.

There’s a stigma attached to the idea of a gamer mom. Perhaps it’s rooted in societal expectations that we should be engaged in more traditional activities, like cleaning or cooking. Maybe gaming is perceived as unladylike or inappropriate for our age. According to a global study, while 71% of moms report playing video games, less than half consider themselves “gamers.” This disconnect contributes to the outdated notion that gaming is solely a male pastime.

In reality, gamer moms are far more common than some might think. In the U.S., 77% of gamer moms play daily, and 29% spend over 10 hours a week gaming. Many view these hours as unproductive, with some critics labeling online gaming as a waste of time. However, I believe gamer moms have discovered a valuable resource for self-care.

Gamer Moms Know How To Unwind

Self-care comes in many forms. For some, it’s a rejuvenating nap or a relaxing bubble bath; for others, it’s playing a few rounds of an old-school game like Mario. I won’t judge your choice of a soothing bath bomb, so please don’t criticize my gaming time.

Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., summarizes a study involving 1,614 gamers, highlighting that gaming serves as a coping mechanism for stress. The findings indicate that gaming can play a crucial role in recovery from stressful experiences, which is something we all need as moms.

Real-life gamer moms echo this sentiment. For instance, single mother Kate M. mentions, “I used to hide in the bathroom with a book during my kids’ fights. Now I sneak into my room and play ‘Candy Crush’ when I need a break.” This isn’t just a personal escape; it’s a vital stress-relief strategy for many moms facing the chaos of daily life.

Gamer Moms Know How To Connect

The stereotype of the gamer mom as an emotionally detached recluse is outdated. In a New York Times piece, Peter Suderman argues that many games foster connection and community. This holds true for gamer moms on a smaller scale as well. “With my kids involved in various sports, our family life can get hectic,” says Jenna P., a mother of three. “When we’re all home, we often gather around the Xbox and bond over playing together.”

Lara B., a single mom, tries to stay connected with her children by playing the same games they enjoy, even if she can’t always join them. “We might not always talk about school, but we can discuss the latest updates in Minecraft,” she reveals. Gaming serves as a bridge that strengthens the relationship between gamer moms and their kids.

Gamer Moms Know How To Thrive

Beyond connection, many gamer moms find personal growth through gaming. Kristie Z. shares, “Gaming doesn’t just calm me; it re-energizes my brain.” Research indicates that gamer moms report higher mood levels compared to non-gamers, often feeling creative and empowered while playing. For them, gaming is more than just a hobby; it enhances their daily lives.

It can be challenging to remember that being a mom doesn’t define a woman entirely. Many gamer moms don’t even recognize themselves as such, perhaps fearing judgment or feeling guilty about their gaming habits. The stereotype of the basement-dwelling teen boy doesn’t capture the diversity of today’s gaming community.

In a world filled with various types of mothers, it’s essential to acknowledge that a significant number of moms are gamer moms.

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Summary:

Gamer moms are an increasingly common demographic that defies traditional stereotypes. They find joy, connection, and personal growth through gaming, using it as a form of self-care and stress relief. Despite societal stigma, many moms embrace their gaming habits, recognizing the value it brings to their lives and relationships with their children.