The Mental Mile

A Parents Guide to Video Games, an interview with Dr. Rachel Kowert

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Dr. Rachel Kowert is a research psychologist that studies topics relating to the uses and effects of digital games, including the impact on physical, social, and psychological well-being.  She is the author of numerous books, including 'A Parent's Guide to Video Games', and the children's book 'Pragmatic Princess'. In this interview Dr. Kowert demystifies the common stereotypes associated with video game play, and helps put into perspective the positive ways video games can be part of every day life for kids, families, and parents.  She also shares tips for how parents can oversee their child's game play and take the necessary steps to safeguard the experience based on associated risks, the child's age, and interests.  

Mentioned in this interview:

  • The Atlantic's article titled, 'Late Stage Pandemic is Messing with Your Brain': https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/03/what-pandemic-doing-our-brains/618221/
  • The book 'A Parent's Guide to video Games' by Dr. Rachel Kowert: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781537359830?aff=rkowert
  • The book 'Pragmatic Princess' by Dr. Rachel Kowert. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578583690/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1537359835&linkCode=as2&tag=rexmac06-20&linkId=2681009eebdd0f4c2d1c73fed462dac8
  • The newly released book 'Invisible Friends' by Dr. Rachel Kowert: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Friends-Stories-Cloud-Canyon/dp/0578862433/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UOL8JW7AJPDI&dchild=1&keywords=invisible+friends+kowert&qid=1616352839&sprefix=invisible+friends+%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1
  • www.takethis.org a nonprofit mental health org for gamers.
  • https://www.commonsensemedia.org A website that helps parents determine what video games are appropriate for their children.

    • You can find Dr. Rachel Kowert via..

    • her personal website www.rkowert.co
    • Twitter: @DrKowert
    • YouTube: www.youtube.com/psychgeist
    • She is research director at www.takethis.org
    • The website for 'Pragmatic Princess', www.buildyourowncastle.com

      • Kristi and Kjersti both share a 'community care' wellness practice called "Common Humanity Meditation", to find the details with full instructions visit https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/common_humanity_meditation

      Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's eBook Self-Care Inspiration for Busy Parents

      Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare @kjersti_running_therapy

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      The Mental MileBy Kristi Yeh + Kjersti Nelson
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