'Gamer of dads'

Whether it's Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros. or Minecraft, parents are familiar with some form of video games. However, now that children are becoming more interested in technology and video games are advancing, this can be another obstacle in the "expert level" of parenting.

On Tuesday morning more than two dozen fathers and their children – all a part of the All Pro Dads group – met at Sidney High School for breakfast. The group meets monthly and a different keynote speaker presents each time.

Gene Russel, vice principal of North and South Elementary and coordinator of the All Pro Dads Group, said he would like to keep this group going for years to come.

"If you are able to just share one laugh or one moment with your kiddos it's great," Russel said. "And it's even cooler for the kids to remember that their mentor, grandpa, dad or mom took them to breakfast once a month. It really sticks with kids."

Today, Sidney Public Schools technology coordinator Rick Meyer spoke to the dads and their children about video games and being knowledgable about what games children are playing.

Meyer explained his personal relationship with playing video games at a young age and how in today's society, video games have become more advanced for some parents to understand.

"It is tough," Meyer said. "I used to know every console and game coming out. Then life happens and responsibilities, so it's hard to keep up with those things."

Meyer talked about having balance with your children, being involved and knowing what they're doing and playing.

Meyer discussed how kids today are lucky when it comes to how far video games have come based on graphics, story line, levels and multi-player settings.

"Kids want to make and build things and then they want to share it," Meyer said. "They can put a YouTube video up and have thousands of followers before you even know it. Kids are following other kids who are sharing their gaming experiences."

He said kids and adults will record themselves playing video games such as Minecraft. Meyer mentioned that the average kid who spends hours playing Minecraft will spend equally as many hours watching other people play it on YouTube.

"You don't have to play these games with your kids, but it's good to have a balance where you're involved."

Meyer has created a blog and Facebook and Twitter accounts about gaming and parenting that helps parents steer their kids in the right direction of what games to play by providing the appropriate resources. Parents can also share information about games with each other on these sites.