6 Reasons All Kids Should Play An RPG
I have no children, and I was perfectly honest that I have no interest in ever having them in a recent article. However, since I’ve started playing role-playing games, it has occurred to me that all children should learn to play one. That’s because, during a game, they would learn many valuable life lessons in a risk-free environment while also having fun. So here are my reasons all kids should play an rpg
Lesson 1: You Can Be Anything You Want To Be
When you start a new game, it’s normal to create your character from scratch. There are various methods to do it, but the idea is you create your back story, class, race and key skills. The options you choose are entirely up to you. I’m sure that children will realise that they can’t choose everything about themselves in real life, but it does plant a seed. When they’re faced with a huge range of choices, it encourages them to approach their own lives with an open mind. It’s one of the biggest reasons why all kids should play an rpg.
Lesson 2: Actions Have Consequences
One of the greatest things about RPGs is that you have free rein in deciding what to do in any given situation. The only limit is your imagination, although you are encouraged to behave in a way that’s in keeping with your backstory.
So, if you’re surrounded by a group of heavily armoured trolls while you are only wearing a linen robe, you are free to launch a solo attack. However, the result will usually be that you’ll be on the receiving end of an epic beatdown. Your character could even be killed, thus eliminating you from the game.
People understandably want to protect children from the harsher realities of life when they can. It’s an excellent introduction to the idea that every action has a consequence without any significant risk to the child, except perhaps a healthy dose of disappointment.
Lesson 3: Teamwork
Most parents want their kids to be kind and willing to share and also develop their social skills. DnD is a perfect activity to build these traits. Again, you can do what you like with your character. You can go off alone, be antagonistic and refuse to work with the other members of your party. However, parts of the game will be challenging, if not impossible, to complete without assistance. It promotes teamwork and co-operation throughout.
Lesson 4: Diversity
Out of necessity, most DnD games have a mix of races and classes in the party. Five halfling rogues would be incredibly stealthy, but they’d be snookered if they came up against any large, aggressive creature. Similarly, a party full of orc barbarians could handle themselves in a fight, but if they needed to sneak or charm someone, they’d be out of luck.
DnD shows kids that it’s not only ok to be different, but rather our differences mean we all have strengths and abilities that allow our group (and, by extension, society) to succeed. It also tells kids it’s ok not to be good at everything.
Lesson 5: The Importance Of Hard Work
When you start a new campaign, you usually begin with your character at level 1. You have your basic skills, some armour and a few supplies. Because most games aren’t linear, you come up against situations and adversaries that your party does not have the ability to complete. You need to tuck it away in your mind and build up to it. As you complete tasks, you become stronger and find better equipment.
It’s a great way of teaching kids that hard work and practice will help them progress in life as well as in the game.
Lesson 6: Caution
Until your party has sufficiently levelled up, you must be very careful about the risks you take. It will teach kids to weigh the pros and cons in any situation and to look for hidden danger. It trains them to be careful. These skills will transfer to their lives outside the game too.
Why All Kids Should Play An RPG
If I had kids, I would try to get them interested in these types of games. Not just because I’m a massive nerd myself, but because I think that it teaches valuable skills. Oh, and it’s lots of fun too 😃
