Family Fun With Pokemon Go
If you walk around any major metropolitan area during the evening, you will probably see something that seems a little unusual. Hordes of people have out their cell phones and are excitedly walking around, intently staring at their screens. Every so often, a person will exclaim “I got it!” and show their phone to their group. You will see all types of people doing this: teenagers, families with children, single dads and their kids, and even adult couples. Virtually all of these individuals are playing the new viral sensation, Pokémon Go.
Basics of Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go is an augmented-reality game that uses GPS and encourages players to walk around neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and businesses looking for Pokémon. When the player finds a Pokémon, the animated creature appears on their phone seemingly superimposed on the “real life” background. The player must then swipe the phone’s touchscreen to throw Pokéballs at the creature in order to capture it. Users are also rewarded for visiting various checkpoints—known as Pokéstops—and can increase their in-game strength by walking increasing distances in real life.
Although there have been a few safety concerns surrounding the game, including reports of crime and minor injuries, such issues seem to be few and far between. Overall, Pokémon Go has been a very positive experience for many families and individuals.
Increasing Physical Activity
Most people realize that today’s children are spending less time outside than previous generations. Modern parents typically remember their youth with fond memories of playing outside: biking around the neighborhood with their friends, meeting at the local park for a baseball game, or playing tag in their backyards with buddies. Unfortunately, the current generation of children is more likely to be indoors watching TV or playing video games instead of staying active outside. The increase in the childhood obesity rate from 7 percent to 18 percent since 1980 is commonly attributed to such a sedentary lifestyle. Incentives for staying active such as those offered by Pokémon Go combines what kids love with what parents want for their children. If done safely, the result is a happier and healthier child, and, in turn, happier families.
Family Fun
You can contribute to the benefits your child may enjoy by playing the game alongside him or her and making Pokémon Go a family activity. This is a fun and free way for parents to spend time with their children and connect over something their child loves doing. While spending time with parents is a good experience for most children, parents of children with autism, in particular, have noticed a positive change in their children after playing the game. Many children with autism spectrum disorder are very prone to isolation, and the game has allowed and encouraged them to get out, meet new people, and make new friends.
Check Out Our Pokéstop
The team at The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates is delighted to watch families enjoying time together as they search Kane County for Pokémon creatures. We are proud to host a Pokéstop at the historic Hansen Baking Mural, so be sure to stop by and collect some valuable in-game items. Our Geneva family law attorneys take pride in helping families build closer relationships with one another, no matter how challenging their circumstances may be. If you have a family law concern, contact our office today.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
http://www.today.com/parents/how-pokemon-go-sparked-miracle-transformation-boy-autism-t100928
