How to Recognize an Educational Game That Truly Benefits Your Child

Understanding the Difference Between Fun and Learning

If you're a parent, you've probably typed "best educational games for kids" into a search bar more times than you'd like to admit—usually late at night, after yet another homework meltdown or a school report that makes you worry. You're not alone. Parents today are constantly trying to navigate the fine line between screen time and meaningful learning. With the flood of apps and games that promise to "boost intelligence" or make fractions fun, it’s fair to wonder: How do you know if a game is truly educational and not just flashy distraction?

When a Game Teaches Without Preaching

One of the clearest signs an educational game is working is when your child doesn't realize he's learning—he’s just engaged. Think back to when your child first started learning how to read. Those momentary flashes of delight when a word finally clicked? That’s the feeling a solid educational game should recreate. Not forced lessons, but natural discovery wrapped in genuine fun.

Take, for example, games that teach history or science without sounding like a textbook. A quality game in this space doesn’t just spit out facts—it immerses the child in a story, a situation, or a problem to solve. Suddenly, your eight-year-old is navigating ancient Egypt or simulating an ecosystem, and it feels more like an adventure than a class. In fact, kids can truly learn complex content like history and science through well-designed games.

The Hidden Dangers of "Educational" Games

Not all games labeled “educational” deserve that title. Some might contain a few math problems hidden between levels while the rest of the time is spent unlocking costumes or watching ads. Others lean heavily on repetition without context. In the worst cases, they cause more frustration than learning: flashing lights, time pressure, and confusing goals that discourage children who are already struggling in school.

So what should you look for? A few guiding questions can help clarify:

• Does the game connect to real-world knowledge or skills? Can your child transfer what they’ve learned into the classroom?
• Is the learning scaffolded? Does it adapt to your child’s level, helping them grow without overwhelming them?
• Is progress celebrated? Rather than punish mistakes, does it reinforce effort and persistence?
• Is your child thinking critically, or just tapping aimlessly?

One Parent’s Story: Reclaiming Learning Through Play

Last spring, I spoke with Maya, a mom of a 10-year-old boy who was struggling with reading comprehension. She tried everything: tutors, workbooks, early morning reading time. Nothing stuck. “He hated reading because he thought he was bad at it,” she said. Then, a teacher recommended a mystery game that required players to follow clues embedded in short stories at each level. Maya’s son became the main detective—and suddenly, reading had a purpose.

“He finished the first story without even realizing how many paragraphs he’d read,” she said. “After a few weeks, his teacher noticed he was beginning to understand context and inference better.” Maya’s experience isn’t unique. When a game invites a child’s full participation—and respects their intellect—it becomes much more than a screen. It becomes a door.

The Emotional Intelligence Factor

We often focus on academic outcomes, but let’s not forget the emotional layer. A thoughtful game can help your child manage frustration, develop resilience, or learn collaboration. Some video games—even those not labeled as educational—have been found to teach emotional regulation when used mindfully. If that’s something that interests you, here’s an article exploring how games shape emotional regulation at school.

What Role Should You Play?

The truth is, no game—no matter how pedagogically sound—can replace your support. The best results come when children know they can share their excitement or ask questions. Consider playing along, at least at first. And be curious yourself. Ask them: “What did you learn from that level?” or “How did you figure that puzzle out?” These conversations not only deepen learning but make your child feel seen and understood.

And if your child learns better in different formats—say, by listening rather than reading—there are tools to support that. Some parents are finding creative ways to reinforce classroom material by transforming their child’s written lessons into audio adventures during car rides. One such feature, quietly integrated into the Skuli App (available on iOS and Android), allows you to turn a lesson into a personalized audio story where your child becomes the hero. Imagine a multiplication review set in outer space, narrated with their name—it can make a dull topic come alive again.

In Summary: Signs You're on the Right Track

Educational games are not a magical cure, but they can be powerful allies. When you notice your child practicing a concept outside of the game, or talking about a challenge they solved in detail, you’re seeing genuine learning in action. You don’t need to chase every “top 10 math apps” list. Instead, focus on what feels right for your child’s needs and learning style—and be ready to adapt.

If you’re still wondering how to tell if your child’s favorite game is helping or hurting, these deeper dives might help:

• When a Video Game Becomes a Powerful Learning Tool
• Are There Any Video Games Approved by Teachers?
• Do All Video Games Impact Learning the Same Way?

Parenting through the school years is hard. But with a little insight, and the right tools, you can turn screens into stepping stones—and rediscover the joy of learning together.