Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Drew Dixon.

Drew is the co-founder of Love Thy Nerd, a ministry that offers a better way to share the love of Jesus to nerds and nerd culture. 

Let’s face it: the digital age has changed the way we parent. So, instead of ignoring what your children are playing or removing the videogames altogether, Love Thy Nerd offers an opportunity for parents to understand their children and the kinds of games they are playing.

Drew wrote a book titled "Know Thy Gamer" to discuss important movements in the gaming world. He guides parents to a better understanding on the topic through a Christian lens. 

In this episode, Somer and Drew Dixon discuss:

• common myths related to video games
• benefits of gaming 
• and the often missed opportunity for parents and churches to engage and share the love of Jesus with gamer culture

Let's equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to face this digital age of parenting. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

Connect with Drew at lovethynerd.com and grab a copy of his new release HERE!

Resources for researching video games:

commonsensemedia.org 

Esrb.org

Twitch 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

-Common myths about video games 

1. Video games are going to make our kids violent 
2. Video games are going to turn my kid into a mindless zombie i.e. addiction

Love Thy Nerd exists to be the love of Jesus to gamers and their culture.

220 million Americans play video games regularly.

The church has an opportunity for mission and connection with nerd culture.

-If your child is identifying themself as a “nerd” or a “gamer”, the best thing you can do as a parent is be curious about that - and genuinely so.

-If we keep love at the center, that guides everything else that we do

-Everything in our culture is designed to ‘get its hooks into us’.

-Video game addiction is a very small subset of the gaming population, less than 1%

-Video games engage our brain in a way that’s deeper than a book or movie because the player gets to have input.

-Our kids experience a sense of accomplishment in gaming. We do not want to diminish their accomplishments even if it doesn't seem special to us. 

REMEMBER:

God is the author or play and fun.

These days games do bring people together.

Boredom is your friend as a parent - we need to let go of this idea that our kids constantly need something to do. 

Mindset: "I want to learn about you because you are my child and I love you - I want to know what makes you tick, without judgment."

 

CONNECT with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.