But I kept it to myself. Because parents who were scrolling on their phones in the school playground looked past me and asked, “Why are you wasting your time with that?” I was used to laughing and dismissing the game, but there was a voice in my head saying, And because my life becomes more colorful when I meet children where they are. ”
As the kids grew up, they got better at defeating bad guys and didn't need my help anymore. I was busy trying to juggle work, family, and rare moments of self-care. I no longer have time to play video games, the spirit of play has been replaced with a focus on achievement, and I have changed from being a human being to “what humans do.” I didn't even know it was happening.
“You’re really going to enjoy Pokémon Violet,” Carly told me late last year, as she deftly caught Suicune. “Video games have come a long way since the last time I played them. This one is a lot of fun.”
As a crossword columnist for the New York Times, my job is to help people find playfulness in puzzles. But lately, when it comes to enjoying video games, I've found myself making excuses that sound like an ode to people who take serious responsibilities.
I can't afford to spend money on a Switch for myself right now.
Budget is limited.
There's no time to get carried away with the long game.
Don't you understand how much work I have to do?
As the words left my mouth, I felt adult chains tighten around me.
There are at least three qualities that I love and admire about my children. Carly and Devin are very considerate and good at finding loopholes. They also don't give up on something or someone easily.
They both nodded sympathetically, and I believed the matter was over. As an adult she scores 1 point.
