Who doesn’t love online gaming? Statista’s research has found that there are 1.1 billion online gamers in the world.
Among the nations, South Korea, Japan, and China are at the forefront of online gaming participation. Even Americans are diving into the gaming craze, with 160 million playing internet-based games daily.
Gaming is popular among children and men. But do you know even women love playing internet-based games? About 48% of gamers in the U.S. are women. And guess what? Many of them who are joining in on the fun are mothers.
Whether it’s solving puzzles, building virtual empires, or battling it out in a multiplayer match, gaming is fun. But, like anything else, being responsible is important.
Here, we’ll share a few tips that will allow you to enjoy online gaming responsibly.
Time flies away when you’re deep in a game. One moment, you’re starting a quick round of Candy Crush, and the next, two hours have mysteriously vanished.
A trick to keep gaming from taking over your day is to set clear time limits. Decide how much time you will spend gaming each. It could be 20 to 30 minutes on weekdays and about an hour during the weekends.
Family Fire advises setting a timer; when that goes off, the game must end. Alarms and timers can be life savers. Set them before you start the game, so you don’t have to keep an eye on the clock.
Ideally, it’s best to schedule it during times when you’ve wrapped up the day’s essentials, like after the kids are in bed. This way, gaming won’t sneakily eat into family time or other priorities.
If you’re a planner, slot gaming into your day like any other activity. Treat it like your little escape room—scheduled, intentional, and guilt-free.
Many online games come with in-app purchases or subscriptions. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of unlocking new levels or snagging exclusive items.
But don’t forget that you’re a recreational player, not a professional one. Those shiny new skins or power-ups lure you into spending more than you’re comfortable with. But don’t get tempted.
Only spend money you can comfortably afford to lose. Never use the money you need for necessities like food, shelter, or bills for playing games. You will be in debt before you even know it.
Instead, set a strict budget for your gaming expenses and stick to it. Stop spending once you hit your limit, even if you feel like you’re just a try away from winning big.
A recent feature of Forbes revealed that women are outpacing men when it comes to signing up for mobile sports betting apps.
If you’re also interested in sports betting, stick to a betting app that offers free or virtual currency versions.
These apps offer play-money modes that let you enjoy the excitement of predicting outcomes without risking real cash. They are perfect for honing your skills, learning strategies, and simply having fun without financial pressure.
Still, Rebet advises setting limits on currency, wagers, and losses; that will help you manage your engagement in a healthy way.
Online multiplayer games can be a blast.
Whether you’re teaming up to conquer dungeons or competing in a quick match, they are a fun way to connect with others. Multiplayer games can be toxic, however.
Two-thirds of women reported being harassed when playing online. Abuse typically starts with sexist comments, which often escalate into rape threats or something more threatening.
To protect yourself, it’s important to stay mindful of the dynamics in these games. Use the privacy settings available in most multiplayer platforms to control who can message or talk to you. Disable voice or text chat altogether if it becomes too toxic.
If you encounter harassment, report the offender immediately. Most games have built-in tools to block and report abusive players, and many gaming communities take such behavior seriously.
Don’t engage with harassers or try to argue—it often fuels their behavior. Instead, prioritize your safety by quitting the game.
Not all games are a perfect match for busy moms.
The best ones for busy moms are those that help unwind rather than stress you out. If a game feels like a second job—too competitive or time-consuming—it might not be the right fit.
Avoid games that require daily check-ins or long quests unless you’re sure you have the time to enjoy them guilt-free.
And if you play games to wind down after a long day, relaxing games with soothing music or no time pressures can help you de-stress. Bubble Shooter Classic, 8 Ball Master, and card and board games are examples.
Gaming can help you relax, connect, and even learn something new. Don’t let anyone guilt you for taking time to play. Moms deserve to have hobbies, too. Just make sure your gaming habit stays healthy and enjoyable. Go ahead, mamma; crush those candies, build that dream island, or conquer that virtual battlefield.
