Getting a video game at midnight? You bet!

In the last year, I have probably played a video game five times. I, guess, it’s just not my thing.

But, for my 16 year-old, it’s his thing and more.

And, that is why I was at Game Stop last night at midnight. Yes, that’s right, midnight.

Last night, or maybe better put, this morning (at 12:01 a.m.) was the release of Gears of War 3. It’s a game Mathew’s anxiously been waiting for.

Word of caution parents: It is, in fact, a rated “M” game — which is probably the topic for another blog post all by itself — one that will have parents and kids arguing about the rating system and what it really means.

So … back to last night.

We dropped him off around 9:15 p.m. and there were about 20 people out there. For the next two-plus hours, there were giveaways. He walked away with a T-shirt and a poster by answering trivia questions about the game.

When I returned at about 11:58 p.m., there were more than 300 “older kids” and young adults waiting for the big release.

I stood there while they shouted “10, 9, 8, 7 …” You get the picture – all the way until zero and the guys working there re-opened the store and started giving away the game.

Well, “giving away” is probably not the right word. Matthew shelled out $60 that he earned working an internship this summer.

He was very excited and it was fun to see him smile.

Part of this story – the part that I think is important – is what this means to Matthew.

You see, when I was a kid, I played sports – basketball, football, soccer — and to that end, it’s easy for me to connect with my 11 year-old who does all those things. My wife isn’t a sports junkie, but her interests align more with Matthew. She likes video games, loves to read, loves to watch CSI.

So, some of what we try to do is cross-over. She works hard to connect with our 11 year-old, Micah, when he sleeps, talks and breathes all things football. And, in the same way, I try to make that connection with Matthew.

Your kids need to know you care about what they care about, even if it’s not at the top of your list.

Like me, you may not love video games. But, this isn’t about video games. It’s about watching your son smile and do something he loves.

So, why was I driving to Union Gap at near-midnight last night with a caffeinated drink in hand? Well, naturally, it’s for my 16 year-old and first-born. He matters. I’m sure you’d do the same.

• An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth football dad and changes diapers. He’s experienced many things as a parent, but is absolutely clueless about raising daughters.

 

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