Finding balance: from marathon sessions to quick wins
Finding balance: from marathon sessions to quick wins
Before my daughter was born, I spent hours on online games like Battlefield 1 with friends or Rocket League with my partner. For solo gaming, I would dive into long RPGs like Dragon Age, Assassin's Creed, or Ghost of Tsushima. I loved the competition and getting completely absorbed in intricate stories. I knew these habits would change after her arrival, but the reality didn’t fully hit me until I was in it. A newborn demands constant attention, and free moments are unpredictable. Sitting down to tackle a lengthy RPG became unrealistic, and online matches felt pointless when I couldn’t commit. Seeing that dreaded "kicked for inactivity" message was the final nail in the coffin for my old gaming routine.
Finding a new routine
The biggest adjustment wasn’t the type of games I played but the limited time I had to play at all. Me-time became a rarer commodity, and I craved even small moments to relax and recharge—especially during those sleepless nights. Shorter sessions required a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing on finishing big games, I learned to embrace gaming as a way to recharge. Turn-based games, management sims, and light-hearted adventures became my new go-tos. By then I rediscovered Bus Simulator 21, which was incredibly soothing. Driving a virtual bus from station to station required no pressure or complex mechanics—just a simple, relaxing experience. Similarly, Nexomon scratched my itch for a nostalgic, Pokémon-style game. Its turn-based mechanics meant I could step away at any time without losing progress, making it ideal for quick, low-pressure sessions. Aligning gaming with existing hobbies also brought a fresh perspective. As someone who enjoys cycling, I came to appreciate games like Tour de France. These games let me engage with my passions in a new, virtual way, showing how gaming can complement and even enhance what I already love.
Sharing the joy
As my daughter grows, gaming has become another way for us to connect. While she’s still young and spends much of her time exploring the world, solving puzzles, and reading books, I’ve found that interactive games offer moments of shared discovery. These games encourage problem-solving, spark creativity, and foster teamwork, turning screen time into meaningful bonding moments. Whether she’s curiously watching me play or trying the controller herself, gaming is transforming into a family activity that bridges generations. Short co-op games with my partner and playful interactions with my daughter remind me that gaming doesn’t have to be a solitary escape—it can be a shared adventure.
Lessons in balance
Balancing gaming and parenting hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s taught me a lot about adaptability and patience. Parenthood reshapes your life, and it’s okay to let your habits evolve with it. Shorter gaming sessions have allowed me to find joy in simpler, less time-intensive games. Aligning gaming with existing hobbies, like cycling, has added new layers of enjoyment. Communication has been essential, especially with my partner. The "energy battery" method—where we rate our energy levels and adjust responsibilities—has helped us support each other during busy times. These small adjustments have made gaming feel both refreshing and manageable, whether it’s a short co-op session with my partner or letting my daughter ‘play’ by holding the controller for a while.
Ready to embark on your own adventure? From structured journeys to creative challenges, these games reflect the unpredictability and joys of everyday quests.
Bus Simulator 21
Hop on a relaxing adventure —the perfect escape for parents needing a low-pressure quest between diaper changes and nap-time heroics.
Nexomon + Nexomon Extinction - Complete Collection
Catch, battle, and strategize, because parenting is all about adapting, evolving, and never giving up.
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