As the holidays arrive and school routines fall away, many young people naturally spend more time gaming. Instead of turning this into a seasonal conflict, experts say parents can use festive downtime to encourage healthier habits, stronger social connections and even quality family moments.
Gaming personality, e-sports commentator and Synthesis Entertainment founder Thendo “Thendo Plays” Mukhavhuli believes gaming can be a powerful tool for connection when approached with intention. “If parents focus on balance rather than restriction, gaming becomes something that brings the whole family closer,” he says.
Here are 5 simple ways to turn holiday gaming into something positive and productive:
1. Set a rhythm that encourages balance
Rather than enforcing strict limits, Thendo recommends sitting down with your child and agreeing on a natural holiday routine that includes outdoor time, meals, chores, rest and gaming. This takes away the sense of ‘you versus them’ and turns gaming into a planned part of the day instead of a point of tension.
He also suggests agreeing on natural stopping points, like the end of a match, so kids don’t feel interrupted mid-moment. When children feel respected and involved in the plan, they’re more likely to follow it.
2. Choose games that build connection, not isolation
Gaming often gets labelled as a solitary activity, but co-operative and team-based games can become surprising bridges between siblings, cousins and even parents.
“Pick games that encourage teamwork and communication, something you can play together,” Thendo suggests. These include co-op adventures, party games and multiplayer sports titles that naturally promote collaboration and bonding. “When parents join in, the whole energy shifts. You get laughter, teamwork and moments that would never happen in a normal day.”
3. Use gaming to stay connected
With school out and friends scattered during the holidays, gaming becomes an important way for young people to stay socially connected. Team-based games act as a digital playground where learners can communicate, collaborate and maintain friendships daily. “For many young people, gaming is their social glue during the holidays,” Thendo says.
4. Make safety simple and part of the routine
Holiday gaming also means more time online, and more exposure to open multiplayer spaces, voice chat and new players. Thendo says parents don’t need to understand every game to keep their children safe. What matters is teaching the basics: privacy, respect and how to speak up if something feels uncomfortable.
Simple steps like adjusting privacy settings, checking age ratings, using safer voice-chat options and having open conversations go a long way. “It’s about safety and trust, not surveillance,” he explains.
5. Explore real-world gaming communities like Squad Up Saturdays
If parents want their children to experience gaming in a positive and supervised environment, in-person events make a huge difference. Telkom VS Gaming’s Squad Up Saturdays, hosted at the Samsung Design Quarter store in Fourways, bring kids, families and school communities together to play, compete and meet other gamers in a safe, structured setting. It’s where gaming moves beyond the screen and becomes a shared, real-world experience that builds confidence, teamwork and connection.
“These events are gold for parents,” Thendo says. “Kids get to socialise, learn teamwork and feel part of something bigger. Parents also get to see firsthand what gaming really is in a positive environment.”
With a little structure and collaboration, holiday gaming can become a source of connection rather than conflict. When parents see gaming not only as entertainment but as a pathway for social interaction, skill-building and family moments, the festive break becomes an opportunity to strengthen relationships, not strain them.
Families who want to experience gaming in a positive, social environment can visit Squad up Saturdays at the Samsung Design Quarter store in Fourways. The events offer open play zones, friendly competitions and a welcoming space for all gamers to connect and have fun. For the latest event dates and details, follow @vsgamingworld on social media.
Main image credit: Freepik/prostooleh
