The Benefits of Online Gaming

You might think of online gaming as the enemy, especially if you have children that you are constantly trying to get offline and outside. You might worry that your kids aren’t getting enough exercise, because they spend too much time online, and that you aren’t spending enough time together as a family, because really, deep down, you know that you’re own habits are just as bad. 

But, online gaming doesn’t have to be the enemy. Like cake and chocolate are valuable parts of a healthy diet, to be enjoyed in moderation and appreciated as treats, while bringing benefits of their own. Online games can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, and you don’t need to ban them altogether to do more as a family. They also have their own benefits. 

Source – https://unsplash.com/photos/Mf23RF8xArY

They Are Social

When you play an online game, it might feel as though you are sat playing alone. But you aren’t, far from it. When you play online, you are playing with real people all over the world. You could make new friends and even business contacts. You can play with your friends and family, or even your children. It’s a way to make new friends, but also to bond with people that you know in the real world. 

Some people struggle with real-world connections. They find speaking to people in real life awkward, and they struggle to make friends. They might even find it hard to really be themselves with the people that they have known for a long time. A life in an online game can, for these people be a lifeline, or and outlet. Games like Ghrazi can give them an outlet, and a way to explore who they want to be, from the safety of their computer screen. Many people feel free, safe, and in control in these worlds, in a way that they never could outside of them.

Improves Problem Solving Skills

Online games come in all different shapes and sizes, but many of the massive multiplayer role-playing games take thought. To do well, you can’t just point and click. You have to apply strategy, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. It’s even thought that playing these games could improve memory, coordination, attention and concentration, and multitasking skills. Some research suggests online gaming could also make our brains work faster, reducing the time it takes for them to process information. 

It’s Fun

Whether you are 14 or 41, your life is filled with pressure. Kids today face testing and exams at every turn. Adults are constantly trying to do more, to be better, to earn more money and to improve their lives while looking after everyone else. Most people report to feeling stressed at least some of the time, and mental health issues are on the rise. We all need some fun in our lives, a way to let off steam, burn away some negative energies, and enjoy ourselves. Online gaming can be a safe way to do this, and as long as it’s done in moderation, it can improve your mood, your mental health and reduce your stress levels.

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.

Top Silverado Camping Parts | Get Your Silverado Camping Ready – The Haul

Summer is here and camping season is in full swing! St. Louis Dad is always looking for some of the best camping equipment and in this episode of AmericanTrucks’ “The Haul” YouTube Series, host Joe Dick selects his favorite camping gear for Chevy Silverado owners. Whether you are camping, tailgating, or just trying to have some fun during an off-road excursion, this video offers a few excellent suggestions to make your time with your truck, away from home, an enjoyable one.

Silverado parts included in this video: UnderCover Ultra Flex Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, Smittybilt High-Performance Air Compressor, Barricade 3 in. Bull Bar, Smittybilt 2 in. Receiver Hitch Rack, ARB 82 Quart Fridge Freezer, Rightline Gear Full Size Truck Tent, Rightline Gear Truck Bed Air Mattress, Husky GearBox Under Seat Storage Box, Rugged Ridge All-Terrain Front & 2nd Row Floor Mats, Covercraft Carhartt SeatSaver Front Seat Covers, & Covercraft Carhartt SeatSaver 2nd Row Seat Cover.

View it here: http://www.americantrucks.com/the-haul-news-july2019-3.html

About AmericanTrucks
AmericanTrucks is regarded as one of the best, most reliable online aftermarket retailers providing parts and accessories for F150, F250, Ranger, Silverado, Sierra, and RAM. Catering to the needs and demands of late-model truck owners and enthusiasts, AmericanTrucks provides the best parts with support from genuine truck experts. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanTrucks is dedicated to offering the truck community with the highest quality of parts and customer service. Please visit https://www.americantrucks.com for more information.

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.

Tips On Buying Your First Car

For first time drivers, the hard bit is over. They’ve passed their test and can now legally drive on the road.  But now it comes to selecting your first car, and the process can seem a little daunting if you know very little. So whether you’re going car shopping with your children or it’s a car for yourself, here are some tips for buying your first car.

Set A Budget

A budget is very important considering what it can cost to buy a car. Firstly you need to think about the cost of the car itself and then the additional costs that come with owning a car such as road tax and car insurance. With all this in mind, you should have an overall cost estimate in your head of how much you can spend with all of these payments in mind. This might determine what style of car you get and what condition it is in.

Pre-owned or New?

With a pre-owned car, the cost will be significantly less than a new one. This is another decision you’ll need to consider when purchasing your car. Buying a brand new car may be possible with someone who has more disposable income. Whereas a pre-owned car is going to depreciate less, and you’ll have more scope on makes and models that span back years. Pre-owned vehicles are certainly in supply across many makes and models, and if you want something slightly bigger, sprinters are available at a discounted price. Looking for a Mercedes Benz sprinter for sale, salt lake city has plenty of them!

Think About What You Need

There are many vehicles available, and it’s worth knowing exactly what you want when it comes to the car itself. Do you need a manual or automatic? Are you after a car with the latest technology or would you be happy with just a stereo system? These needs are important to note down as a sort of wishlist. That way you can go to a dealership or second-hand car store, with your requirements and know that you’ll be able to pick out something that is going to suit you and your needs.

Go For A Test Drive

It’s all well and good looking at a car that you want to buy, but it could end up being a very different experience when you go behind the wheel. Always take a potential car out for a test drive before signing on the dotted line. Take it on two separate occasions too if you can, so you can get an idea of what’s it like to drive in different weather conditions. It’s very easy to not get the same feelings about the car when you take it on the road. So take advantage of having a test drive, even if they don’t offer it, to begin with and always be in the driving seat.

Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll find perfection with your first car. Happy driving and of course, stay safe on the road!

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.

The Best Retro Games In A New World

Those of us that love retro games were once an afterthought for the gaming world. We weren’t seen as a lucrative business decision to please, so new games of all kinds were being developed. However now with smartphones that can play all kinds of games, the newest and best games are coming out with a retro flare. It’s quite an amazing time to be alive if you love retro games, because for smartphones this is the best market to be in. it’s also because retro games are easy to understand, easy to play but take time to master. This means there’s a chance for developers to make all kinds of older games have a new twist and also monetize them. An old idea that can be dusted off and used to make money is something that has stood the test of time. These are the kinds of games that retro lovers need to download onto their smartphones.

 

 

All those gold coins

Those that had a SEGA and or a Gameboy will be pleased to know that Super Mario and Sonic are making huge comebacks on smartphones. Super Mario Run is a 2D platformer, in which the short Italian plumber is trying to collect as many gold coins as he can and move onto the next stage. The only problem is monsters, evil creatures, lava pits and bottomless pits are trying to stop him. You can download this game from the Android app store i.e. Google Play. With around 1.4 million downloads and an average rating of 4 stars, this is something that retro gamers should have stored in their own smartphones. And don’t worry, it’s not in black and white, it’s in full color and made by Nintendo themselves.

Spin the painted wheel

Retro gamers are well versed in the oldest kinds of games there are. Whether it’s poker, blackjack or just roulette, these are games we all know about. However there are also free slot games with bonus rounds no download needed. These kinds of games are for those that feel lucky and want to make a quick buck, but they are also full of other games such as 5 card Omaha, Chinese poker and much more. These kinds of casinos allow for quick access too, so there’s no kind of paywall or special members club that you need to be part of to join in. Some of the most popular smartphone games that people play while waiting for their train or bus are casino types such as Texas Hold’em.

Mega blue

Yes platformers are making a comeback and one of them is Mega Man Mobile. One of the most loved retro games in the world, this is something anyone can enjoy and take time to get better at. Instead of just collecting coins, it’s your job to kill enemies that get in your way with the weapon infused in your arm and bring order to a world full of evil robots.

Quite possible the reason why there is a large gaming market now in the smartphone world is because of older gamers. Retro games are easy to play but they require effort to truly master, making them easy for beginners but also presenting a challenge. 

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.