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Crabs Are Our Friends: Parenting Moments on the Nintendo Switch

Crabs Are Our Friends: Parenting Moments on the Nintendo Switch

The best Switch games for kids and some unexpected lessons from the field

Andrew Hogan
December 15, 2024

I love video games. Action, strategy, role-playing, sports. All of it. But so far we’ve only introduced Pok Pok to my 3-year-old.

Part of it is a lack of time, part of it is that I don’t quite know how to do it or what games to buy. However, I’m positive gaming could be a great family bonding experience and it’s something I’ve been looking forward to introducing. Family gaming is also pretty common, about half of US adults that play video games play games with their kids at least weekly. So, I’ve been asking around for game recommendations and advice.

Some of the most thoughtful - and funny - perspectives came from my friends Nick and Cortney.

For Nick and Cortney, the Nintendo Switch has become a platform for family connection and creativity. Before you think it’s a magical thing with no downside: there’s also the occasional emotional meltdown.

With their 4-year-old son, they’ve found ways to use interactive screen time to bond and share experiences, all while navigating the highs and lows that come with introducing gaming to young children.

A Weekly Ritual of Play And Favorite Games

Gaming is woven into the family’s week but carefully structured to balance other activities. “On weekdays, he’ll occasionally pick the Switch for 20 minutes of screen time after dinner,” Nick explained. “On weekends, we’ll play in the afternoon, but only after we’ve done something active outside.”

The family favorites? Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart, and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Nick and Cortney often take the lead on gameplay, while their son joins in for simpler tasks or celebrates big moments. “He loves pressing the button to grab a moon in Mario Odyssey,” Nick said. “We always make a big deal of it—cheering and celebrating together.”

Learning Through Play

The Switch has also become a window into their son’s developing mind. “He picks up on so much so quickly,” Cortney said, amazed at his ability to remember character names, items, and game mechanics. “He already understands concepts like completing a shrine in Zelda to earn a heart container. He’ll even integrate that into his playtime, saying things like, ‘Wait, I need to get a heart container!’ and acting it out with his toy lightsabers.”

These moments of creativity and learning have been a highlight for Nick and Cortney. “It’s fascinating to see how he absorbs and applies what he learns in the games,” Nick added.

When Things Get Emotional

Of course, not every gaming session goes smoothly. During a recent Zelda battle, their son became deeply upset while fighting the Marbled Gohma, a crab-like boss.

“He has such a soft spot for crabs and arachnids,” Cortney explained. “When we had to hit its eye to win, he broke down.”

The couple paused the game and spent the evening reassuring him that it was all make-believe. But the incident stayed with him. “The next morning, he woke up saying, ‘We shouldn’t hit crabs in the eye. They’re cute, and they’re our friends.’ It was both heartbreaking and sweet,” Nick said.

Balancing the Fun with the Challenges

Like many parents, Nick and Cortney wrestle with the challenges of screen time. “We’re never fully sure it’s great for development,” Nick admitted. “But if we’re going to allow some screens, this feels like a better option. It’s interactive and something we can do together.”

One of the biggest hurdles is managing emotions around stopping gameplay. “He can get upset when it’s time to stop,” Nick said. “We’re working on reinforcing that gaming is a short, fun activity and then it’s time to move on. It’s a process, but we’re getting there.”

They’ve also noticed how quickly gaming can become an expected part of the routine. “If we don’t have time to play, he can get sad or frustrated,” Cortney said. “It’s a good reminder to keep it occasional, so it doesn’t feel like a guaranteed part of the day.”

Why It’s Worth It

Despite the challenges, the Switch has become a meaningful part of their family life. “It’s not just about the games,” Nick explained. “It’s about sharing something we loved as kids and creating new memories together.”

From exploring shrines in Zelda to turning Mario into a dinosaur, the Switch offers moments of connection that go beyond the screen. “Whether it’s grabbing a moon or having a conversation about why crabs are our friends, it’s these little moments that make it all worth it,” Cortney said.

How to Introduce The Switch

For families thinking about introducing a Nintendo Switch to younger kids, Nick and Cortney have a few tips:

Start Slow and Collaborative: “Games like Mario Odyssey are perfect because they’re whimsical and engaging, and kids can participate without having to control everything,” Cortney suggested. “Let them press a button to collect an item or celebrate a win together.”
Set Clear Time Limits: “Keep sessions short and structured,” Nick said. “Having a set time helps manage expectations.”
Pay Attention to Emotions: “If a game starts causing frustration or upset, it’s okay to pause or stop,” Cortney advised.
Focus on the Positive: “Gaming can be a way to bond and share something special,” Nick added. “It’s not just screen time—it’s connection time.”