[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"sanity-D2hJem-wC7TCZy0j5GI8XLPQ_cw3Yjudm0eJS-PbG6Q":3,"sanity-ECOWdolzvJl9F4qi3RTAtkzEF1P6mZzNaPRZ7QcViwA":19,"sanity-NSPECqc-yCE4mU_j_D6QR-40n2oC0Zt6Ld63fs1guR0":729,"sanity-HgmHwKk6nayWvm5KggA3w0nonjGROQHGp2iaKxWjUDY":1199},{"data":4,"sourceMap":-1},{"commentsEditWindowMinutes":5,"commentsGloballyEnabled":6,"cursorMode":7,"defaultOgImageUrl":7,"footerText":7,"homepageBlogFeatured":7,"homepageFeatured":8,"interactionMode":7,"missionPrompt":7,"navLinks":7,"organizationName":11,"personAuthorSlug":12,"personName":13,"reviewFaqIntro":7,"reviewSupportUrl":7,"reviewUpdateLogIntro":7,"siteDescription":14,"siteTagline":15,"siteTitle":11,"socialHandles":16},10,true,null,{"documentId":9,"kind":10},"e7e9709c-0cab-47df-a580-10abce45b631","overview","Mom Player Character","shannon-mpc","Shannon","Game reviews, parent guides, and notes from the desk on the digital world your kid already lives in.","For parents in the digital deep end",{"instagram":17,"twitch":18},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fmomplayercharacter","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.twitch.tv\u002Fmomplayercharacter",{"data":20,"sourceMap":-1},{"_id":21,"affiliateLinks":7,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"body":23,"bodyWordCount":665,"build":7,"commentsEnabled":7,"excerpt":666,"faqItems":667,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":674,"featuredImageUrl":675,"gamePlacement":676,"gameTypes":7,"group":679,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"keyTakeaways":7,"kind":680,"lastReviewedAt":681,"mediaSources":682,"nextInGroup":688,"parentBottomLine":7,"parentDecision":694,"partnerLinks":7,"platforms":7,"primaryGame":697,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":719,"relatedGames":7,"seo":722,"slug":724,"timeToDo":7,"title":723,"topics":725,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"e620bb57-2751-4dc5-b6e1-923e797e69fb","Shannon @ MPC",[24,35,43,52,69,89,140,148,156,183,210,218,237,255,263,271,290,320,328,352,360,371,378,402,437,463,471,479,487,506,514,522,551,559,567,595,603,622,630,657],{"_key":25,"_type":26,"children":27,"markDefs":33,"style":34},"e6ae3bb86622c8","block",[28],{"_key":29,"_type":30,"marks":31,"text":32},"d700fc1000fa33","span",[],"Start with the account your child already uses. Once you’ve found it, you can choose which games they can open, who they can talk to, what they can spend and when they can play. The parental PIN, a code you keep to yourself, protects those choices. Making one doesn’t set them for you.",[],"normal",{"_key":36,"_type":26,"children":37,"markDefs":42,"style":34},"59eb363a4746ca",[38],{"_key":39,"_type":30,"marks":40,"text":41},"97f6ed4701342c",[],"I recorded an adult Windows PC setup and two solo Battle Royale matches on 25 October 2026. The child-account and console steps below still follow Epic’s help pages, checked on 26 October; I haven’t tested those controls on a child’s account. If your screen looks different, use the linked official instructions for that step.",[],{"_key":44,"_type":26,"children":45,"markDefs":50,"style":51},"c1efe40e9c1c05",[46],{"_key":47,"_type":30,"marks":48,"text":49},"a4edafafd988ef",[],"Find the account before changing anything",[],"h2",{"_key":53,"_type":26,"children":54,"markDefs":68,"style":34},"986bd3e227d2d2",[55,59,64],{"_key":56,"_type":30,"marks":57,"text":58},"149d86af8b5ae0",[],"Fortnite uses an ",{"_key":60,"_type":30,"marks":61,"text":63},"735408cabd658a",[62],"strong","Epic Games account",{"_key":65,"_type":30,"marks":66,"text":67},"16a56d67fddc5d",[],", the account held with the company behind Fortnite. On a PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo console, it’s linked to a separate account for that console. They may use different email addresses. If that already sounds confusing, finding the right account is the part to take slowly.",[],{"_key":70,"_type":26,"children":71,"markDefs":85,"style":34},"3d34a03fc21cfa",[72,76,81],{"_key":73,"_type":30,"marks":74,"text":75},"2fbbc1cd5a6713",[],"If your child already plays, try the relevant console sign-in button on Epic’s website using the account they play on. Making a new account or unlinking the old one can leave you changing settings on an account without their progress. If Epic asks you to finish an account that has no email attached, ",{"_key":77,"_type":30,"marks":78,"text":80},"ca8e268b31566e",[79],"eef8dade8f4bee","its console-created account instructions",{"_key":82,"_type":30,"marks":83,"text":84},"118bea3e612e5d",[]," explain what to do.",[86],{"_key":79,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":88,"target":7},"link","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fen-US\u002Fepic-games-store-c5719341124379\u002Fepic-accounts-c5719350930075\u002Fhow-do-i-upgrade-a-console-or-platform-account-to-a-full-epic-games-account-a5720301034907",{"_key":90,"_type":26,"children":91,"markDefs":137,"style":34},"55974fb3e3e815",[92,96,100,104,108,112,116,120,124,128,133],{"_key":93,"_type":30,"marks":94,"text":95},"9a5c745c8d242a",[],"Here’s a useful check before you go further: compare the ",{"_key":97,"_type":30,"marks":98,"text":99},"f9396a91de9766",[62],"Epic account ID",{"_key":101,"_type":30,"marks":102,"text":103},"13bb789196f60d",[]," on the website with the one in the game. This is the account’s unique identifier, unlike a display name, which can change. On the website, look under ",{"_key":105,"_type":30,"marks":106,"text":107},"462787df6223b7",[62],"Account Information",{"_key":109,"_type":30,"marks":110,"text":111},"cc49bf8a6c739b",[],". In Fortnite, open ",{"_key":113,"_type":30,"marks":114,"text":115},"89d93b7b6b0dd7",[62],"Settings",{"_key":117,"_type":30,"marks":118,"text":119},"75c10dde44f354",[],", then ",{"_key":121,"_type":30,"marks":122,"text":123},"ec07a6027b6f2a",[62],"Account and Privacy",{"_key":125,"_type":30,"marks":126,"text":127},"ae421191712a1d",[],". ",{"_key":129,"_type":30,"marks":130,"text":132},"9f1150360e86e2",[131],"6766435e40c5b8","Epic shows both locations",{"_key":134,"_type":30,"marks":135,"text":136},"f73a0362c3c097",[],".",[138],{"_key":131,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":139,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-45487929\u002Fc-38854402\u002Fa24590453?lang=en-US",{"_key":141,"_type":26,"children":142,"markDefs":147,"style":34},"7775d2743ae5ef",[143],{"_key":144,"_type":30,"marks":145,"text":146},"ba3fdf884eae13",[],"If your child borrows an adult’s account, they may also be using its permissions and purchases. Their own child-account settings won’t automatically follow them there.",[],{"_key":149,"_type":26,"children":150,"markDefs":155,"style":51},"3bd7c7fc6b3b7b",[151],{"_key":152,"_type":30,"marks":153,"text":154},"bf7bc2075ebd25",[],"Check the child’s age and consent state",[],{"_key":157,"_type":26,"children":158,"markDefs":180,"style":34},"047edc834c1eb5",[159,163,167,171,176],{"_key":160,"_type":30,"marks":161,"text":162},"795bbd9459942c",[],"Enter your child’s real age. If they’re under 13, or under the local age of digital consent where that is higher, their account may be ",{"_key":164,"_type":30,"marks":165,"text":166},"69ee57fc523059",[62],"Cabined",{"_key":168,"_type":30,"marks":169,"text":170},"44b61e12e8c958",[]," while it waits for parental consent. That’s Epic’s term for an account with features such as voice and freely typed chat restricted. Giving consent is one step; choosing which permissions to allow is the next. ",{"_key":172,"_type":30,"marks":173,"text":175},"fcfc2023cc076b",[174],"a311da2995a09f","Epic’s parental-consent FAQ",{"_key":177,"_type":30,"marks":178,"text":179},"d391d59f9c74c5",[]," explains both.",[181],{"_key":174,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":182,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fsite\u002Fen-US\u002Fparental-consent",{"_key":184,"_type":26,"children":185,"markDefs":207,"style":34},"195718e9db3022",[186,190,194,198,203],{"_key":187,"_type":30,"marks":188,"text":189},"0ccb51945f2bfb",[],"If the consent email hasn’t arrived, check the parent email address entered, then use ",{"_key":191,"_type":30,"marks":192,"text":193},"7b080041825350",[62],"Request Parental Permission",{"_key":195,"_type":30,"marks":196,"text":197},"19248ed065f6ea",[]," in the account portal to send it again. The ",{"_key":199,"_type":30,"marks":200,"text":202},"9bdfc398829c7c",[201],"a2da9ba6495fb3","Cabined Account guide",{"_key":204,"_type":30,"marks":205,"text":206},"acfcb2f405bcac",[]," shows the route. Use an inbox you can keep accessing, because you may need it to manage permissions later.",[208],{"_key":201,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":209,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fsafety.epicgames.com\u002Fen-US\u002Fcabined-accounts",{"_key":211,"_type":26,"children":212,"markDefs":217,"style":51},"effe7670ae1e67",[213],{"_key":214,"_type":30,"marks":215,"text":216},"ea5b64c376e604",[],"Open parental controls and set the PIN",[],{"_key":219,"_type":26,"children":220,"markDefs":234,"style":34},"8da11b247bfe37",[221,225,230],{"_key":222,"_type":30,"marks":223,"text":224},"41b72f4a5ee6c7",[],"On a phone or computer, open ",{"_key":226,"_type":30,"marks":227,"text":229},"ba33cf348d9698",[228],"4cf10144baed90","Epic’s parental controls",{"_key":231,"_type":30,"marks":232,"text":233},"d776a43059974f",[]," while signed into the child’s account. Create or enter the six-digit parental PIN.",[235],{"_key":228,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":236,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Faccount\u002Fparental-controls",{"_key":238,"_type":26,"children":239,"markDefs":252,"style":34},"69f3ab88f02653",[240,244,249],{"_key":241,"_type":30,"marks":242,"text":243},"c6af74d06e755a",[],"You can also begin inside Fortnite: select the player picture, then the menu icon with three horizontal lines, then Parental Controls. Epic asks you to confirm a parent-controlled email and choose the PIN. ",{"_key":245,"_type":30,"marks":246,"text":248},"651a2373d03cb7",[247],"471f1ec8af1a93","The in-game setup instructions are here",{"_key":250,"_type":30,"marks":251,"text":136},"63bde63255da92",[],[253],{"_key":247,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":254,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-34254770\u002Fc-44323472\u002Fa18778792?lang=en-US",{"_key":256,"_type":26,"children":257,"markDefs":262,"style":34},"1fecfc0e476a57",[258],{"_key":259,"_type":30,"marks":260,"text":261},"fa4d9315408854",[],"Choose a PIN your child doesn’t already use to unlock a device. After changing a setting, reopen that section to check it saved. It’s an easy way to catch a missed confirmation before handing over the controller.",[],{"_key":264,"_type":26,"children":265,"markDefs":270,"style":51},"0c97fcb03b80b4",[266],{"_key":267,"_type":30,"marks":268,"text":269},"3db4b18c2f94ce",[],"Choose which games can open",[],{"_key":272,"_type":26,"children":273,"markDefs":287,"style":34},"dba0bb867d86e3",[274,278,283],{"_key":275,"_type":30,"marks":276,"text":277},"55e5471dd0b0d5",[],"Find Fortnite’s content-rating restriction and choose the level you’re comfortable allowing after reading the game’s content description. Opening a game above that level requires permission through the PIN system. If your child also gets games from the Epic Games Store, check that store’s separate rating controls. ",{"_key":279,"_type":30,"marks":280,"text":282},"949f7f7a7e73c4",[281],"8a7746467d024e","Epic’s individual island-rating guide",{"_key":284,"_type":30,"marks":285,"text":286},"4e8334dfb6f1da",[]," explains the Fortnite side. An island is Fortnite’s name for an individual game or experience.",[288],{"_key":281,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":289,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fortnite.com\u002Fnews\u002Fisland-age-ratings-now-in-fortnite?lang=en-US",{"_key":291,"_type":26,"children":292,"markDefs":315,"style":34},"e744ee81ecb6a2",[293,297,302,306,311],{"_key":294,"_type":30,"marks":295,"text":296},"9859cb868bade9",[],"If you’re considering LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, start with its ",{"_key":298,"_type":30,"marks":299,"text":301},"1ae6578c4e9e6e",[300],"318bf1e737ecca","Everyone 10+ rating",{"_key":303,"_type":30,"marks":304,"text":305},"f125c65347bc14",[]," and Fantasy Violence description from ESRB, the North American game-rating body. An eight-year-old being able to open it doesn’t make it rated for eight-year-olds. Battle Royale is a separate decision: its ",{"_key":307,"_type":30,"marks":308,"text":310},"ffce5f72b8877d",[309],"e06defe4fc70a5","Teen rating",{"_key":312,"_type":30,"marks":313,"text":314},"535ffb231ed014",[]," means content generally suitable for ages 13 and up. You don’t need to unlock that rating just to get the account working.",[316,318],{"_key":300,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":317,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.esrb.org\u002Fratings\u002F40358\u002Flego-fortnite-odyssey\u002F",{"_key":309,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":319,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.esrb.org\u002Fratings\u002F41678\u002Ffortnite-battle-royale\u002F",{"_key":321,"_type":26,"children":322,"markDefs":327,"style":34},"dcdfd077f3dc03",[323],{"_key":324,"_type":30,"marks":325,"text":326},"a41c919eb27f19",[],"Reopen the restriction to check your choice, then look at the intended game’s details with your child. If something is blocked later, you can check what it is before entering the PIN.",[],{"_key":329,"_type":26,"children":330,"markDefs":351,"style":34},"e9ec6489789940",[331,335,339,343,347],{"_key":332,"_type":30,"marks":333,"text":334},"6a026b00fa57cb",[],"You may also see a permission for ",{"_key":336,"_type":30,"marks":337,"text":338},"d41a4a918d79fd",[62],"Fortnite Creative",{"_key":340,"_type":30,"marks":341,"text":342},"9dfa7aa69e1dfd",[]," and ",{"_key":344,"_type":30,"marks":345,"text":346},"d5dcf23cbed368",[62],"Unreal Editor for Fortnite",{"_key":348,"_type":30,"marks":349,"text":350},"938194665842ec",[],", tools people use to make games. Turning those tools off stops access to creating; it doesn’t block every game somebody else has made.",[],{"_key":353,"_type":26,"children":354,"markDefs":359,"style":51},"7a4da38ddd1686",[355],{"_key":356,"_type":30,"marks":357,"text":358},"fa26f7c26c991f",[],"Choose voice and typed chat separately",[],{"_key":361,"_type":362,"alt":363,"caption":364,"children":7,"image":365,"imageUrl":370,"markDefs":7},"media-voice-20261026","figure","Fortnite voice-reporting notice with Turn On Voice Chat and Turn Off Voice Chat buttons.","Voice-reporting notice in my adult PC setup, 25 October 2026. This does not show child-account controls or confirm a saved setting. Screenshot: Shannon \u002F MPC.",{"_type":366,"alt":363,"asset":367},"image",{"_ref":368,"_type":369},"image-5b85ea7bc5467789fe3498b7a6c6dcfa66e3b02f-2560x1440-jpg","reference","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F5b85ea7bc5467789fe3498b7a6c6dcfa66e3b02f-2560x1440.jpg",{"_key":372,"_type":26,"children":373,"markDefs":377,"style":34},"c770bafa08dd01",[374],{"_key":372,"_type":30,"marks":375,"text":376},[],"During my adult PC setup, a voice-reporting notice offered separate buttons to turn voice chat on or off. That was one setup screen, not a check of a child’s permissions. Voice, typed chat and who can join need their own review; don’t use the appearance of that prompt as proof that the account is ready.",[],{"_key":379,"_type":26,"children":380,"markDefs":401,"style":34},"dfa4627c6ceee3",[381,385,389,393,397],{"_key":382,"_type":30,"marks":383,"text":384},"d73327d63b4bcc",[],"While you’re still checking the friend lists, you can set both chat permissions to ",{"_key":386,"_type":30,"marks":387,"text":388},"d36db883773b80",[62],"Nobody",{"_key":390,"_type":30,"marks":391,"text":392},"94567d827c9fe6",[],". This turns off Epic voice and freely typed conversation. In the game’s communication menu, the off choice may be called ",{"_key":394,"_type":30,"marks":395,"text":396},"ad5db73c93b39e",[62],"Off",{"_key":398,"_type":30,"marks":399,"text":400},"211e561e328198",[],". Standard preset phrases can still be available in games that support them.",[],{"_key":403,"_type":26,"children":404,"markDefs":434,"style":34},"6bcf0e84bf70ba",[405,409,413,417,421,425,430],{"_key":406,"_type":30,"marks":407,"text":408},"248d914832c1d9",[],"If the plan is to speak with people the family knows, ",{"_key":410,"_type":30,"marks":411,"text":412},"6b7d38edf125bd",[62],"Friends Only",{"_key":414,"_type":30,"marks":415,"text":416},"208e4823866dee",[]," is a narrower choice than allowing everyone assigned to a team. It includes both Epic and platform friends, so review the console friend list as well. ",{"_key":418,"_type":30,"marks":419,"text":420},"fd0bcf3aa17ee7",[62],"Friends, Team Members, and Connections",{"_key":422,"_type":30,"marks":423,"text":424},"a9e788666f791d",[]," can include unfamiliar teammates and people linked through friends. It is not “only the friends we invited.” ",{"_key":426,"_type":30,"marks":427,"text":429},"225bf056b453a2",[428],"e4cecc97f8d12d","Epic’s current communication settings guide",{"_key":431,"_type":30,"marks":432,"text":433},"6e830885fed3a1",[]," explains the labels.",[435],{"_key":428,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":436,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-34254770\u002Fc-33726977\u002Fa16697235?lang=en-US",{"_key":438,"_type":26,"children":439,"markDefs":460,"style":34},"8ac2dc29e8f01b",[440,444,447,451,456],{"_key":441,"_type":30,"marks":442,"text":443},"d069e54bebdbe7",[],"For children under ten, ",{"_key":445,"_type":30,"marks":446,"text":412},"e90e3b1b4bc7c6",[62],{"_key":448,"_type":30,"marks":449,"text":450},"13fd1252701fc3",[]," is the broadest communication choice allowed. At ten to twelve, broader options can appear, depending on the parental controls. You can keep your existing choice when those options appear. Check voice and text separately, then reopen both to confirm they saved. ",{"_key":452,"_type":30,"marks":453,"text":455},"aaac393df5677e",[454],"b3bf78266a7ad9","Epic’s parental-control reference",{"_key":457,"_type":30,"marks":458,"text":459},"d21ee1a3b22f84",[]," explains the age limits.",[461],{"_key":454,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":462,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fsafety.epicgames.com\u002Fen-US\u002Fparental-controls",{"_key":464,"_type":26,"children":465,"markDefs":470,"style":34},"cb6c5cff8e9cd1",[466],{"_key":467,"_type":30,"marks":468,"text":469},"b58f9302fc5e11",[],"You can check this with another adult you know, using their account. Does the intended conversation work, or stay off, as you chose? Make sure the sound isn’t coming through a separate console voice service or phone call while you’re checking Fortnite.",[],{"_key":472,"_type":26,"children":473,"markDefs":478,"style":51},"7f693c2482c14a",[474],{"_key":475,"_type":30,"marks":476,"text":477},"076b98938bb6c3",[],"Review friends and invitations",[],{"_key":480,"_type":26,"children":481,"markDefs":486,"style":34},"eaf037c68d780d",[482],{"_key":483,"_type":30,"marks":484,"text":485},"35f703d328e28a",[],"If you want to approve new Epic friends, turn on the parental PIN requirement for friend requests. Check the console’s friend controls too. Then look through existing contacts with your child: “Who is this, and how do you know them?” The setting can’t answer that part for you.",[],{"_key":488,"_type":26,"children":489,"markDefs":503,"style":34},"b2da158bae5757",[490,494,499],{"_key":491,"_type":30,"marks":492,"text":493},"cc560d634e2627",[],"Set the party, the group gathering to play together, to Invite Only. This controls entry to the party, not who your group can meet as opponents in a Battle Royale match. Other members can invite their friends, and another party’s settings apply when your child joins it. Agree that an unexpected arrival means stopping to check who has joined. ",{"_key":495,"_type":30,"marks":496,"text":498},"be2452796a37e2",[497],"83a19095ed63e7","Epic’s party guide",{"_key":500,"_type":30,"marks":501,"text":502},"c0ea4bdea760a9",[]," explains those limits.",[504],{"_key":497,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":505,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-36624475\u002Fc-35761596\u002Fepic-parties-faq-a22007555",{"_key":507,"_type":26,"children":508,"markDefs":513,"style":51},"0aaa43820b17a6",[509],{"_key":510,"_type":30,"marks":511,"text":512},"edf730d4c08e43",[],"Check where purchases could happen",[],{"_key":515,"_type":26,"children":516,"markDefs":521,"style":34},"db030e8f120cde",[517],{"_key":518,"_type":30,"marks":519,"text":520},"200d694ad6ce50",[],"Turn on the PIN requirement for Epic payments, then inspect purchase approval on the console or other store taking payment. Epic’s PIN does not cover another platform’s checkout or spending V-Bucks already held in the account. V-Bucks are Fortnite’s virtual currency, which can be bought with real money.",[],{"_key":523,"_type":26,"children":524,"markDefs":547,"style":34},"38cb581377bfc1",[525,529,534,538,543],{"_key":526,"_type":30,"marks":527,"text":528},"3c249be180e959",[],"Check existing balances and subscriptions together. A gift card may leave spending value available even without a stored bank card. Paid random items are purchases where you pay before knowing which reward you will get. If you see a permission for these, leaving it off addresses that category, not every possible purchase. The ",{"_key":530,"_type":30,"marks":531,"text":533},"9c6f9310c32772",[532],"c7626f3fcfa9f5","parental-control reference",{"_key":535,"_type":30,"marks":536,"text":537},"9e7a378f19aa22",[]," explains payment coverage, while the ",{"_key":539,"_type":30,"marks":540,"text":542},"203a879542d669",[541],"cde72582afa1c6","Epic account balance FAQ",{"_key":544,"_type":30,"marks":545,"text":546},"b9f6d44960e95f",[]," explains gift-card funds.",[548,549],{"_key":532,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":462,"target":7},{"_key":541,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":550,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Flegal.epicgames.com\u002Fepicgames\u002Faccount-balance-faq",{"_key":552,"_type":26,"children":553,"markDefs":558,"style":34},"570b52273f786f",[554],{"_key":555,"_type":30,"marks":556,"text":557},"4df5666aa6d054",[],"You can check that the controls saved without buying anything. Then explain the spending agreement to your child too, including whether they can use currency already in the account.",[],{"_key":560,"_type":26,"children":561,"markDefs":566,"style":51},"32e2922e077f1d",[562],{"_key":563,"_type":30,"marks":564,"text":565},"c287370e17a99a",[],"Set time, then explain the stopping plan",[],{"_key":568,"_type":26,"children":569,"markDefs":590,"style":34},"aaa0e7d0fa284b",[570,574,579,582,587],{"_key":571,"_type":30,"marks":572,"text":573},"b58b386422a2ba",[],"Review Time Limits and Reports. Choose the permitted play window and time allowance that fit the family’s plan, and decide whether requests for extra time are allowed. Reports can show use on the account; they cannot tell you whether a session was enjoyable or upsetting. ",{"_key":575,"_type":30,"marks":576,"text":578},"5b50beca8ec18d",[577],"8bdf7f93e09087","Read how reports work",{"_key":580,"_type":30,"marks":581,"text":342},"6d6d92856118c9",[],{"_key":583,"_type":30,"marks":584,"text":586},"22f28551b9bfa0",[585],"6fd063261d65e2","how extra time is granted",{"_key":588,"_type":30,"marks":589,"text":136},"0be63a77e49b1d",[],[591,593],{"_key":577,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":592,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-34254770\u002Fc-39122868\u002Fa20522487",{"_key":585,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":594,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-34254770\u002Fc-39122868\u002Fa26242833",{"_key":596,"_type":26,"children":597,"markDefs":602,"style":34},"857cd3485fe92b",[598],{"_key":599,"_type":30,"marks":600,"text":601},"e8330deea25c4d",[],"Tell your child the finish time before they start, and when it will be too late to begin another match. Reopen the saved schedule and check the timezone shown. If the console has its own limit, see whether that will end play sooner.",[],{"_key":604,"_type":26,"children":605,"markDefs":619,"style":34},"e9162bd2312d0a",[606,610,615],{"_key":607,"_type":30,"marks":608,"text":609},"0f8e284ad9be1a",[],"You can leave optional features off until you’ve had a chance to discuss them. That includes talking with AI characters, which are computer-generated characters rather than people. ",{"_key":611,"_type":30,"marks":612,"text":614},"5ef25e32fa0645",[613],"471579a3b267e1","Epic has a separate AI communication control",{"_key":616,"_type":30,"marks":617,"text":618},"d4aa5941797bee",[],"; allowing human friends to chat doesn’t make this choice for you.",[620],{"_key":613,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":621,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-45487929\u002Fc-43755296\u002Fa16932748?lang=en-US",{"_key":623,"_type":26,"children":624,"markDefs":629,"style":51},"94e971708cc642",[625],{"_key":626,"_type":30,"marks":627,"text":628},"a05cbb0a9489e2",[],"If something does not match",[],{"_key":631,"_type":26,"children":632,"markDefs":654,"style":34},"f09b9b2a8278dd",[633,637,641,645,650],{"_key":634,"_type":30,"marks":635,"text":636},"a9856272484337",[],"If a chat option is missing, check the age and consent restrictions first. Changing the birth date isn’t the fix. If you’ve forgotten the PIN, choose ",{"_key":638,"_type":30,"marks":639,"text":640},"ea3e9a877e0aef",[62],"Forgot your PIN?",{"_key":642,"_type":30,"marks":643,"text":644},"5d2244b35b826c",[]," on the parental-controls page. For a minor’s account, the reset email goes to the associated parent or guardian email. ",{"_key":646,"_type":30,"marks":647,"text":649},"b343225e04e9ac",[648],"037ce2c64aaf42","Epic’s reset instructions",{"_key":651,"_type":30,"marks":652,"text":653},"29f515a35ce063",[]," also link to parent support if you get stuck.",[655],{"_key":648,"_type":87,"blank":7,"href":656,"target":7},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.epicgames.com\u002Fhelp\u002Fc-32885641\u002Fa22518599?lang=en-US",{"_key":658,"_type":26,"children":659,"markDefs":664,"style":34},"e0aba2f8332ccb",[660],{"_key":661,"_type":30,"marks":662,"text":663},"30448d7a2b1fba",[],"Before handing over the controller, run through the account, chosen game, both chat settings, contacts, purchases and end time once more. Then sit with your child for the first session. You’ll be able to see where the plan works and where either of you needs a little more help.",[],1502,"Find your child’s Fortnite account, choose the games and conversations you’re comfortable with, and check purchases and time limits before they play.",[668,671],{"answer":669,"featured":7,"intent":7,"keyTakeaways":7,"question":670},"No. It covers payments through Epic, but not another store’s checkout or V-Bucks already in the account. Check the store your child uses and agree on how any existing balance can be spent.","Does an Epic payment PIN stop V-Bucks spending?",{"answer":672,"featured":7,"intent":7,"keyTakeaways":7,"question":673},"Choose Forgot your PIN? on Epic’s parental-controls page. For a minor’s account, the reset email goes to the associated parent or guardian email. First check that you’re managing the account your child plays on.","What if I’ve forgotten the parental PIN?","Fortnite Discover menu showing rows of game tiles, including Bedwars, Murder Mystery, Pillars and The Pit.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fe281be7d3ef38cbd2ea95be26ed7d32beadedaaa-2560x1440.jpg",{"groupKey":677,"order":678},"fortnite-setup",0,"Set up and play online","setup","2026-10-26T04:42:15Z",[683],{"clipTopics":7,"featuredClip":684,"label":685,"platform":686,"transcriptSummary":687,"url":675},false,"Cover screenshot: Shannon \u002F MPC, 25 October 2026","website","Cover: Fortnite's game-selection menu in Shannon's adult PC session, 25 October 2026 at 10:10. Screenshot: Shannon \u002F MPC. Browsing does not mean the listed games were tested.",{"excerpt":689,"gameSlug":690,"kind":691,"slug":692,"title":693},"Work out who can join and talk to your child in Fortnite, with practical help for unexpected guests, unkind classmates, blocking and reporting.","fortnite","guide","fortnite-friends-chat-unwanted-contact","Fortnite friends, chat and unwanted contact",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":695,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":696},"Game ratings; voice and text chat separately; friend requests; Epic and console payments; playtimes.","Match the Epic account ID on the website to the one in your child’s game before changing settings.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":703,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":711,"slug":690,"title":718},"game-fortnite","Check the exact experience and regional rating. Battle Royale is ESRB Teen; LEGO Fortnite Odyssey is Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence. My adult Battle Royale sessions do not establish a practical minimum age or how independently a child could play.","My first Battle Royale sessions on PC: learning while playing, V-Bucks, voice chat and the invitations to keep going. A parent's first look at one part of Fortnite.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F54a1795e5c5be3155fe72a0816119274e89a9d56-2560x1440.jpg","under-review",[704,705,706,707,708],"solo","couch-coop","online-coop","online-competitive","cross-platform","Fortnite","After two solo matches on Windows PC, Battle Royale isn't a game I'd choose to introduce to my child. I can see the appeal, but the shop, rewards and competitive fighting weren't what I wanted. This is a first look at that mode, not every Fortnite game.",[712,713,714,715,716,717],"pc-mac","nintendo-switch","xbox","playstation","ios","android","Fortnite Battle Royale: first impressions",{"headline":720,"keyPoints":7,"summary":721},"Start with the account your child already uses","Find the right account, then choose game access, voice and text chat, friends, purchases and time. Making a parental PIN protects those choices; it doesn’t make them for you.",{"canonicalUrl":7,"metaDescription":666,"metaTitle":723,"metaTitlePrefix":7,"noIndex":7,"ogDescription":7,"ogImageUrl":7,"ogTitle":7},"Setting up Fortnite for your child","setting-up-fortnite-for-your-child",[726,727,728],"getting-started","setup-controls","safety-privacy",{"data":730,"sourceMap":-1},[731,755,774,790,820,845,869,889,908,916,937,956,967,979,1022,1045,1054,1066,1080,1098,1125,1136,1157,1182],{"_id":732,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":733,"excerpt":734,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":735,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":736,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":7,"quickAnswer":741,"slug":750,"timeToDo":7,"title":751,"topics":7,"updateNotes":752,"updatedAt":7},"pzsG0jkw9smmfHT1ez0HFg",330,"Typing in a fake birthday isn't age verification — it's just a question. Here’s what real, working age-gating would need to look like, and what parents can do right now.","Illustration of a sign-up screen with an age checkbox, overlaid with icons for ID cards, credit cards, and device settings.",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":737,"settingsThatMatter":738,"shouldWorry":739,"whatToDoNow":740},"If your child says, “It just asked if I’m 13, can I click yes?” they’re telling you the system is easy to bypass. Use that moment to explain why the rule exists (content, data collection, contact with strangers), and decide together whether this app is appropriate now or later. If they say “Everyone in my class has it,” acknowledge the social pressure, but still base your decision on your child’s maturity, the app’s features, and the tools you have to supervise or limit use.","Focus on device and account settings you control: require approval for new app installs, restrict app store ratings by age, use kid or teen profiles where possible, and lock down browser access for younger kids. Inside individual apps, look for: private-by-default profiles, limits on DMs and friend requests, content filters, and purchase\u002Fcredit card controls. These do more for safety than any single age checkbox.","Be cautious, not panicked. Assume most age-gates your child sees are easy to bypass. The real risk is that you may think a space is age-limited and safer than it actually is.","Treat age-gates as a weak signal, not a safety guarantee. Check the app or site yourself, set your own minimum ages, and use device-level tools (family accounts, Screen Time, Google Family Link, etc.) to control what your child can install and when. Talk openly with your child about why age limits exist and make it clear that lying about age is a family rule issue, not just a ‘hack.’",{"headline":742,"keyPoints":743,"summary":749},"Real age-gating needs proof, not just a birthday box.",[744,745,746,747,748],"Birthday fields and “I’m over 13” checkboxes are not real age verification.","Stronger systems use ID, payment methods, third-party verification, or device-level controls.","Better age-gating always adds friction and can slow growth, so companies are reluctant to adopt it.","Platforms benefit from underage users even when policies say they’re not allowed, which reduces urgency to fix the gap.","Parents should not rely on app age-gates alone—use device settings, family accounts, and clear house rules together.","Most age checks on apps and websites are basically meaningless—kids can bypass them in seconds. Systems that actually work use some form of verified proof (ID, payment method, device-level controls, or a trusted third-party) and accept that sign-up will be a bit slower and more “frictiony.” As a parent, your best move is to combine device\u002FOS controls, family accounts, and your own rules, instead of trusting a single checkbox on a sign-up screen.","age-gating-that-actually-works","Age-Gating That Actually Works (Not Just a Checkbox)",[753],{"date":7,"note":754},"Initial guide created to help parents understand why most age-gates are weak and how to build stronger protections at home.",{"_id":756,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":757,"excerpt":758,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":674,"featuredImageUrl":675,"gamePlacement":759,"group":761,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":762,"primaryGame":765,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":768,"slug":771,"timeToDo":7,"title":772,"topics":773,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"32ad8834-5fad-4e86-8439-c70629ef2ba1",1344,"Try a first Fortnite session together with the devices you already have. Find the right account setup, choose one activity and let your child show you around.",{"groupKey":760,"order":678},"fortnite-family","Playing together and family rules",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":763,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":764},"Invitations to the right account; who can join; team size and whether the game adds teammates; chat permissions.","Check whether your chosen game supports two people on one screen, or whether you’ll each need a device.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":766,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":767,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":769,"keyPoints":7,"summary":770},"Aim to join in, rather than get good at it","Choose one approved game, check your devices and accounts, and agree on a finish time. My solo Windows PC session informs the beginner advice; joining another player and sharing a screen still need a hands-on test.","playing-fortnite-with-your-child","Playing Fortnite with your child when you barely remember how",[726],{"_id":775,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":776,"excerpt":689,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":363,"featuredImageUrl":370,"gamePlacement":777,"group":679,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":779,"primaryGame":782,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":785,"slug":692,"timeToDo":7,"title":693,"topics":788,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"5f5befad-e777-4b29-8fd5-ee98b8fb69d1",1267,{"groupKey":677,"order":778},1,{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":780,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":781},"Voice and text chat; Epic and console friends; who can join the party; any separate phone or console conversation.","Look through the Epic and console friend lists together, check both chat settings and practise leaving a party.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":783,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":784,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":786,"keyPoints":7,"summary":787},"You can choose who your child talks to","Playing against unfamiliar people doesn’t have to mean talking to them. Check voice and text permissions separately. If someone is upsetting your child, help them leave first; the settings can wait.",[789,728],"chat-players",{"_id":791,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":792,"excerpt":793,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":794,"featuredImageUrl":795,"gamePlacement":796,"group":799,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":800,"primaryGame":805,"publishedAt":808,"quickAnswer":809,"slug":816,"timeToDo":7,"title":817,"topics":818,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"8aI8S9xlkRICgxHcEveW6z",1089,"Find the right route after a Fortnite purchase goes wrong, whether your child spent V-Bucks, your card was charged or something was bought inside another game.","Fortnite V-Bucks purchase screen showing four packs priced in Canadian dollars.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F523df82efd4d253894258301b8f432a8b88770d9-2560x1440.jpg",{"groupKey":797,"order":798},"fortnite-spending",2,"Spending and subscriptions",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":801,"settingsThatMatter":802,"shouldWorry":803,"whatToDoNow":804},"they bought the wrong outfit, ask them to stop using it while you check the return option together.","Check purchase controls at Epic and the store taking payment. Epic’s payment PIN doesn’t stop existing V-Bucks being spent.","Act promptly, but check the purchase and seller before counting on a refund. The guide separates the routes so you can find the one that fits.","Find the receipt and check whether this was V-Bucks spending, a real-money charge or a purchase inside a creator-made game.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":806,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":807,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],"2026-06-08T09:00:00Z",{"headline":810,"keyPoints":811,"summary":815},"Check what was bought and who took the payment",[812,813,814],"Start with the receipt and the account used.","Check whether the purchase qualifies for cancellation or a ticket.","Confirm what came back: V-Bucks, money or a reply from support.","An eligible Item Shop return gives back V-Bucks, not cash. A real-money refund depends on the seller and purchase. If a charge wasn’t approved, use the separate unauthorised-charge process.","how-to-refund-a-fortnite-purchase-and-actually-get-the-money-back","Fortnite refunds: what can be returned, and where the money goes",[819],"money-spending",{"_id":821,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":822,"excerpt":823,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":824,"featuredImageUrl":825,"gamePlacement":826,"group":799,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":827,"primaryGame":832,"publishedAt":808,"quickAnswer":835,"slug":842,"timeToDo":7,"title":843,"topics":844,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"BM1x6eCNlY51NBLMjhD8QD",922,"Find who bills Fortnite Crew, stop the next renewal and check it worked. Get help with Game Pass bundles and explain which outfits and rewards your child keeps.","Fortnite Crew offer with a CA$15.99 per month Join button and OG, Music and LEGO Pass tiles.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fccc543359458d64ac4db0452416dad7cc3f6568c-2560x1440.jpg",{"groupKey":797,"order":778},{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":828,"settingsThatMatter":829,"shouldWorry":830,"whatToDoNow":831},"they’re worried about losing outfits, explain what they already keep and check which unfinished rewards need the subscription.","Renewal status and the end date show whether cancellation worked. Purchase approvals are a separate choice.","You can stop future payments without deleting the account. Check that renewal is off; an empty page or a deleted game doesn’t confirm cancellation.","Keep the receipt open, sign into the matching account and follow that seller’s cancellation route.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":833,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":834,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":836,"keyPoints":837,"summary":841},"Find the company taking the payment",[838,839,840],"Follow the receipt, even if your child now plays on another device.","Check that renewal is off and save the end date.","Check whether Crew already comes with Game Pass Ultimate.","Use your receipt to find the seller, turn off renewal there and save the confirmation and end date. Outfits already received stay after ordinary cancellation; unfinished paid rewards may need active Crew.","how-to-cancel-fortnite-crew","How to cancel Fortnite Crew",[819],{"_id":846,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":847,"excerpt":848,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":849,"featuredImageUrl":701,"gamePlacement":850,"group":679,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":680,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":851,"primaryGame":856,"publishedAt":808,"quickAnswer":859,"slug":866,"timeToDo":7,"title":867,"topics":868,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"BM1x6eCNlY51NBLMjhDAxN",1115,"Add an extra sign-in check to the Fortnite account your child already uses. Choose a method, finish setup and make a plan for a missing code or lost phone.","Fortnite Battle Royale loading screen with seasonal character artwork and the message Preparing Shaders.",{"groupKey":677,"order":798},{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":852,"settingsThatMatter":853,"shouldWorry":854,"whatToDoNow":855},"they want to send a gift or enter an event, ask what they plan to do. Turning 2FA on doesn’t settle permission or every eligibility rule.","The active and primary methods; backup codes; access to the email inbox; security on the linked console account.","This is a useful way to protect the account. Take a moment to plan recovery too, so a lost phone doesn’t leave you stuck.","Find the existing account, check you can open its email inbox and complete the chosen sign-in method’s setup.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":857,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":858,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":860,"keyPoints":861,"summary":865},"Protect the account your child already uses",[862,863,864],"Use the account with your child’s progress and purchases.","Choose a code or approval method the family can keep accessing.","Chat and purchases still need their own controls.","Open Password and security in the right Epic account, finish setting up an extra sign-in check and confirm it’s active. Make sure you know who can get the code and how to recover access.","how-to-turn-on-two-factor-authentication-in-fortnite","How to turn on two-factor authentication in Fortnite",[727,728],{"_id":870,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":871,"excerpt":872,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":873,"featuredImageUrl":874,"gamePlacement":875,"group":799,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":876,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":877,"primaryGame":880,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":883,"slug":886,"timeToDo":7,"title":887,"topics":888,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"a6a71fa4-3e77-4a7e-94fa-ef23458becae",1511,"Make sense of Fortnite’s currency, outfits, reward passes and Crew membership, then choose a spending rule your family can use when the next request arrives.","Seasonal Fortnite Shop items with V-Bucks prices and Leaving Today labels.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fc097a639400b15ff455a656a0ae34ccb45c7b41e-2560x1440.jpg",{"groupKey":797,"order":678},"explainer",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":878,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":879},"Epic’s payment PIN; the paying store’s approval controls; existing balances; any permission for paid random items.","Open the offer together. Check the real-money cost, what your child gets and whether there will be another payment.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":881,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":882,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":884,"keyPoints":7,"summary":885},"Ask your child to show you the offer","The main free games don’t require paid outfits, passes or Crew. Before buying an extra, check the real-money cost, whether it renews and whether your child must play to earn the reward they want.","fortnite-v-bucks-passes-family-spending","Fortnite V-Bucks, passes and family spending",[819],{"_id":890,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":891,"excerpt":892,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":674,"featuredImageUrl":675,"gamePlacement":893,"group":761,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":894,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":895,"primaryGame":898,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":901,"slug":904,"timeToDo":7,"title":905,"topics":906,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"e5ace266-25ad-4a87-ba8b-d2bcc358b09c",1112,"Make a clear Fortnite plan before a visit, with messages you can adapt for the host and simple wording your child can use if the plan changes.",{"groupKey":760,"order":798},"conversation",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":896,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":897},"Check the account they’ll use. Borrowing another account can also mean using its contacts, chat permissions and payment access.","Send the host a specific request they can answer, then explain the same plan to your child.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":899,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":900,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":902,"keyPoints":7,"summary":903},"Ask what the children will actually be doing","Agree on the game, account, online company, spending and finish time before the visit. If that’s more than the host can manage, you can arrange another activity.","fortnite-friends-houses-different-rules","Fortnite at friends’ houses: handling different rules",[907,789],"screen-time",{"_id":21,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":665,"excerpt":666,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":674,"featuredImageUrl":675,"gamePlacement":909,"group":679,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":680,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":910,"primaryGame":911,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":914,"slug":724,"timeToDo":7,"title":723,"topics":915,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},{"groupKey":677,"order":678},{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":695,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":696},{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":912,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":913,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":720,"keyPoints":7,"summary":721},[726,727,728],{"_id":917,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":918,"excerpt":919,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":920,"featuredImageUrl":921,"gamePlacement":922,"group":924,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":876,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":925,"primaryGame":928,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":931,"slug":934,"timeToDo":7,"title":935,"topics":936,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"ee22d0ad-0128-44b8-b962-34dc4a5b1d56",1310,"Find out whether your child means Odyssey, Brick Life or another LEGO game, then compare the activities, ratings, other players, spending and help they may need.","LEGO Fortnite Odyssey information page with a Select button, Epic creator label and an Everyone 10+ rating.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F8d97ba9a62ef90359eed1dc88f6de14dc0eac8bc-2560x1440.jpg",{"groupKey":923,"order":678},"fortnite-review","Start here",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":926,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":927},"Game-rating restrictions; voice and text permissions; who can return to an Odyssey world; purchases and balances.","Open the game’s details together. Read its rating, choose an activity and check who can join or talk.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":929,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":930,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":932,"keyPoints":7,"summary":933},"Start with the LEGO game your child means","Odyssey and Brick Life offer different activities and online company. Look at the exact game’s rating, people and purchases. Familiar LEGO characters don’t answer every part of the decision.","understanding-lego-fortnite","LEGO Fortnite: Odyssey, Brick Life and what parents need to know",[726],{"_id":938,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":939,"excerpt":940,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":941,"featuredImageUrl":942,"gamePlacement":943,"group":761,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":681,"parentDecision":944,"primaryGame":947,"publishedAt":681,"quickAnswer":950,"slug":953,"timeToDo":7,"title":954,"topics":955,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":681},"f044ee0b-a6c8-484c-aafa-cca86164f7c0",1288,"Understand what is making Fortnite endings difficult, agree on a stopping plan and recognise when a break or help from a qualified professional may be useful.","Fortnite match recap with Return to Lobby, Play Again, XP totals and a Get Battle Pass prompt.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fc77a396147befdc015c901b6aa070d2ed5c0bd28-2560x1440.jpg",{"groupKey":760,"order":778},{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":7,"settingsThatMatter":945,"shouldWorry":7,"whatToDoNow":946},"Playtimes and limits; requests for extra time; account reports; any earlier cutoff set on the console.","When everyone is calmer, agree on a finish time, a last-new-match time and what happens if the game is still running.",{"_id":698,"ageGuidance":699,"excerpt":700,"featuredImageUrl":701,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":7,"multiplayerOptions":948,"name":709,"parentBottomLine":710,"parentSafetyFacts":7,"platforms":949,"slug":690,"title":718},[704,705,706,707,708],[712,713,714,715,716,717],{"headline":951,"keyPoints":7,"summary":952},"Find out what happens just before the upset","Losing, an unkind group and being asked to stop may need different responses. Plan the next ending, and look for repeated effects on sleep, school, relationships or other interests.","fortnite-losing-stopping-taking-a-break","Fortnite: losing, stopping and deciding on a break",[907],{"_id":957,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":958,"excerpt":959,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":960,"featuredImageUrl":961,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":876,"lastReviewedAt":962,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":963,"quickAnswer":7,"slug":964,"timeToDo":7,"title":965,"topics":966,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"b847fc27-9d47-4b47-94d3-e6bde2346593",1437,"F2P means free to play, but extras can cost money. Understand in-app purchases, battle passes and pay-to-win, with six game examples and practical checks for parents.","Three Fall Guys characters wearing knight, exercise and monster costumes in official Fame Pass artwork.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fe6390f9e37a9ec3d5ba1fa91b5e16bfc72cabb8b-1920x1080.jpg","2026-10-25T12:00:00.000Z","2026-10-25T22:06:00.000Z","free-to-play-games-explained-for-parents","What does F2P mean? Free-to-play games explained for parents",[819,726],{"_id":968,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":969,"excerpt":970,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":971,"featuredImageUrl":972,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":973,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":974,"quickAnswer":7,"slug":975,"timeToDo":7,"title":976,"topics":977,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":978},"51f71dae-4c87-45b8-884a-cd20b612d91a",953,"Is Marvel Rivals appropriate for kids? After playing, the purchase prompts and voice chat being on by default put me off recommending it to families.","Official Marvel Rivals artwork showing a lineup of Marvel heroes beside the game's logo.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F40a35c7114fc3312d6c09061c42e870e9992a92f-3840x2160.jpg","essay","2026-10-25T04:26:16Z","why-im-not-recommending-marvel-rivals-to-families","Why I'm not recommending Marvel Rivals to families",[819,789],"2026-10-25T17:57:23Z",{"_id":980,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":981,"excerpt":982,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":983,"featuredImageUrl":984,"gamePlacement":985,"group":987,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":680,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":988,"publishedAt":1007,"quickAnswer":1008,"slug":1012,"timeToDo":7,"title":1013,"topics":1014,"updateNotes":1015,"updatedAt":1017},"8aI8S9xlkRICgxHcEveTRz",1169,"Get a first Minecraft world ready with this Windows walkthrough. Choose beginner settings, decide who can join, and check your child's chat and spending permissions.","Create New World screen with Creative and Peaceful selected and an achievements-disabled notice.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F9f9130eb30d57cebb52db6090d6db50a6394604d-2560x1440.png",{"groupKey":986,"order":7},"group-1","Getting started",{"_id":989,"ageGuidance":990,"excerpt":991,"featuredImageUrl":992,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":994,"multiplayerOptions":995,"name":997,"parentBottomLine":998,"parentSafetyFacts":999,"platforms":1005,"slug":1006,"title":997},"game-minecraft","Single-player and family Realms are comfortable from 7+, younger with parent co-play. Public servers are the part where age fit depends on the server. Some of the largest (Hypixel, Mineplex) are heavily moderated; smaller ones vary.","The closest a modern, online-enabled game gets to default-safe. The risk surface is almost entirely in multiplayer, which is the part most under a parent's control.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fc82049962f769a74addd5d6f86a42ad216828f0f-1600x800.png","green-light",7,[704,705,996,706,708],"local-multi","Minecraft","Green light for playing alone or on a family Realm, a private online world you share by invitation. Public servers are online worlds run by other people, so check who runs one and who can join before saying yes.",{"_type":1000,"checkedAt":1001,"inAppPurchases":1002,"spendModel":1003,"textChat":1004},"parentSafetyFacts","2026-10-25","yes","one-time-plus","account-controlled",[712,716,717,714,715,713],"minecraft","2026-05-26T00:00:00.000Z",{"headline":1009,"keyPoints":1010,"summary":1011},"Get the world ready",[],"Start with Creative mode and Peaceful difficulty. Choose solo or family play, then check your child's account and spending permissions. You do not need a Realm or extra content to begin.","setting-up-minecraft-for-young-kids","How to set up Minecraft for a young kid: a parent's guide",[727],[1016,1019],{"date":1017,"note":1018},"2026-10-25T00:00:00.000Z","Reorganised the setup walkthrough into clear steps, with screenshots beside the relevant settings and short highlights for quick reading.",{"date":1020,"note":1021},"2026-10-23T00:00:00.000Z","Added a Windows Bedrock walkthrough with original screenshots, clarified local family play versus Realms, and revised account and spending guidance.",{"_id":1023,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1024,"excerpt":1025,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":1026,"featuredImageUrl":1027,"gamePlacement":1028,"group":987,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":1029,"publishedAt":1007,"quickAnswer":1033,"slug":1037,"timeToDo":7,"title":1038,"topics":1039,"updateNotes":1040,"updatedAt":1017},"pzsG0jkw9smmfHT1ez0Ds0",931,"Help your child get started with simple controls, one small building idea, and time to explore. A practical first-session guide with screenshots from my own playthrough.","Third-person Minecraft character exploring a village beside farms and houses.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F967adeb31793f4a482ae1b886ec9021e7ae806ad-2304x1296.png",{"groupKey":986,"order":778},{"_id":989,"ageGuidance":990,"excerpt":991,"featuredImageUrl":992,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":994,"multiplayerOptions":1030,"name":997,"parentBottomLine":998,"parentSafetyFacts":1031,"platforms":1032,"slug":1006,"title":997},[704,705,996,706,708],{"_type":1000,"checkedAt":1001,"inAppPurchases":1002,"spendModel":1003,"textChat":1004},[712,716,717,714,715,713],{"headline":1034,"keyPoints":1035,"summary":1036},"Start with one small thing together",[],"Start by moving around, choosing a block, and trying one small thing together. Follow what interests your child, and practise saving before you stop. You can learn alongside them.","introducing-your-kids-to-minecraft","Introducing your kids to Minecraft: the first session together",[726],[1041,1043],{"date":1017,"note":1042},"Added a clearer first-session sequence, instructions for selecting and placing blocks, screenshots beside each activity, and short highlights.",{"date":1020,"note":1044},"Reworked the guide around the first session, using original gameplay, keyboard controls, the tutorial fix, exploration and leaving the world.",{"_id":1046,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1047,"excerpt":1048,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":1049,"featuredImageUrl":1050,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":973,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":1051,"quickAnswer":7,"slug":1052,"timeToDo":7,"title":1053,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"2a38baa3-4ddf-4dee-9f0c-e331810759dd",830,"Ten years after joining Tauren Where It Counts, I’m looking back at the raids, running jokes and friendships I still make time for, through marriage, two kids and a long break from raiding.","“10 years of TWIC” anniversary graphic for Tauren Where It Counts, with gold and orange lettering on a dark background.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F157247e786fe7c0cb06597407e57c15f349f81ca-1720x722.png","2026-10-22T10:55:35.625Z","ten-years-with-my-world-of-warcraft-guild","Ten years, two kids, and the World of Warcraft guild I never left",{"_id":1055,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1056,"excerpt":1057,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":1058,"featuredImageUrl":1059,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":1060,"quickAnswer":1061,"slug":1064,"timeToDo":7,"title":1065,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"8aI8S9xlkRICgxHcEveXqz",310,"Yes. Star Fox now supports four-player split-screen Battle Mode on one Switch 2. Here is what to update, which controllers work, and how it differs from campaign co-op.","Four split-screen views of Star Fox Battle Mode above a sunlit ocean and rocky islands.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fb89976e552bfa85a239d489774f0be8b31588e43-1080x603.webp","2026-10-10T18:31:00.000Z",{"headline":1062,"keyPoints":7,"summary":1063},"Four players in Battle Mode; two in campaign co-op.","Update Star Fox, then choose Battle Mode > Local Battle. You need one controller per player; a single sideways Joy-Con 2 or original Joy-Con works for split-screen Battle Mode.","star-fox-four-player-split-screen","Can four people play Star Fox on one Switch 2?",{"_id":1067,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1068,"excerpt":1069,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":1070,"featuredImageUrl":1071,"gamePlacement":1072,"group":987,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":876,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":1073,"publishedAt":1077,"quickAnswer":7,"slug":1078,"timeToDo":7,"title":1079,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"BM1x6eCNlY51NBLMjhD1xB",254,"Already own Minecraft digitally on Switch? Check the limited-time Switch 2 upgrade before paying again, and know what it means for split-screen play.","Two black original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers resting on a pale surface.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fef6192d51a34051774d15252bfdf7b16627c5c35-1600x1067.jpg",{"groupKey":986,"order":7},{"_id":989,"ageGuidance":990,"excerpt":991,"featuredImageUrl":992,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":7,"minimumAge":994,"multiplayerOptions":1074,"name":997,"parentBottomLine":998,"parentSafetyFacts":1075,"platforms":1076,"slug":1006,"title":997},[704,705,996,706,708],{"_type":1000,"checkedAt":1001,"inAppPurchases":1002,"spendModel":1003,"textChat":1004},[712,716,717,714,715,713],"2026-10-10T15:34:00.000Z","minecraft-switch-2-free-upgrade","Do you need to buy Minecraft again for Switch 2?",{"_id":1081,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1082,"excerpt":1083,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":7,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":1084,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":808,"quickAnswer":1089,"slug":1096,"timeToDo":7,"title":1097,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"BM1x6eCNlY51NBLMjhD3JB",503,"Instagram changed substantially: under-18s now default into Teen Accounts (PG-13, private for under-16) they can't opt out of, and under-16s need permission to loosen them. The feed's pull stays a conversation.",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":1085,"settingsThatMatter":1086,"shouldWorry":1087,"whatToDoNow":1088},"their friends are on it: the defaults make it more defensible than before, if the age is real and supervision is on.","The age on file (it sets Teen Account defaults) and parental supervision, which keeps approval for looser settings in your hands.","Less than its reputation now, on the contact and content side, which the defaults handle. The part that's unchanged is the feed's effect on attention and comparison.","Confirm the real age is on the account, then turn on parental supervision through Family Center so the protections can't be quietly loosened.",{"headline":1090,"keyPoints":1091,"summary":1095},"More locked down by default than its reputation",[1092,1093,1094],"Under-18s default into Teen Accounts they can't opt out of","Under-16: private, strict messaging, sensitive content limited","Loosening settings needs a parent's permission via supervision","Instagram now places under-18s into Teen Accounts by default (PG-13, private for under-16, strict messaging) they can't opt out of, with under-16s needing a parent's permission to loosen them.","is-instagram-safe-for-kids","Is Instagram safe for kids?",{"_id":1099,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1100,"excerpt":1101,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":7,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":973,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":1102,"publishedAt":1122,"quickAnswer":7,"slug":1123,"timeToDo":7,"title":1124,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"BM1x6eCNlY51NBLMjhD281",892,"The hard part of keeping a kid off Roblox was never the blocking. It's the conversation, because saying no to the game is also saying no to where a chunk of their friendships currently live.",{"_id":1103,"ageGuidance":1104,"excerpt":1105,"featuredImageUrl":1106,"finalRecommendation":1107,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":1108,"minimumAge":1109,"multiplayerOptions":1110,"name":1111,"parentBottomLine":1112,"parentSafetyFacts":1113,"platforms":1119,"slug":1121,"title":1111},"game-roblox","Use Roblox Kids for 5 to 8, Roblox Select for 9 to 15. For older kids on regular accounts, keep voice chat off and text chat at the most restrictive level until you've decided otherwise for this specific kid.","Roblox is unavoidable if you have a kid in the 6 to 12 range, and I no longer recommend it. The 2026 reforms are real, and they all operate inside Roblox while the pattern that keeps showing up runs outside it. Here's the reasoning, plus the setup that matters if it's staying anyway.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F7d6b2bc4ff3ba8011cc2a8656c691c47840f8ba3-1200x675.png","not-recommended",15,5,[704,706,707,708],"Roblox","MPC doesn’t recommend Roblox. Its safety controls help inside Roblox, but cannot protect a child when someone moves the conversation to another app.",{"canPause":1114,"checkedAt":1001,"inAppPurchases":1002,"lootBoxes":1114,"parentalControls":1115,"readingLoad":1114,"recurringPass":1114,"saveFriction":1114,"spendModel":1117,"strangerContact":1114,"textChat":1004,"userGeneratedContent":1118,"voiceChat":1004},"unknown",{"coverage":1114,"inGame":1114,"platformLevel":1002,"url":1116},"https:\u002F\u002Fabout.roblox.com\u002Fparental-controls","in-app","open",[712,716,717,714,715,1120],"vr","roblox","2026-06-02T12:00:00Z","saying-no-to-roblox","Saying No to Roblox When Everyone Else Says Yes",{"_id":1126,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1127,"excerpt":1128,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":7,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"kind":973,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":1129,"publishedAt":1122,"quickAnswer":7,"slug":1134,"timeToDo":7,"title":1135,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"pzsG0jkw9smmfHT1ez0HWS",1428,"It's easy to file each Roblox horror story under awful but rare. Read a stack of them together and the same pattern keeps showing up, which is a lot harder to wave off.",{"_id":1103,"ageGuidance":1104,"excerpt":1105,"featuredImageUrl":1106,"finalRecommendation":1107,"hasOverview":684,"hasPage":6,"hasReview":6,"maximumAge":1108,"minimumAge":1109,"multiplayerOptions":1130,"name":1111,"parentBottomLine":1112,"parentSafetyFacts":1131,"platforms":1133,"slug":1121,"title":1111},[704,706,707,708],{"canPause":1114,"checkedAt":1001,"inAppPurchases":1002,"lootBoxes":1114,"parentalControls":1132,"readingLoad":1114,"recurringPass":1114,"saveFriction":1114,"spendModel":1117,"strangerContact":1114,"textChat":1004,"userGeneratedContent":1118,"voiceChat":1004},{"coverage":1114,"inGame":1114,"platformLevel":1002,"url":1116},[712,716,717,714,715,1120],"roblox-stories-arent-one-offs","The Roblox Stories Aren't One-Offs Anymore",{"_id":1137,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1138,"excerpt":1139,"featured":7,"featuredImageAlt":7,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":1140,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":1145,"quickAnswer":1146,"slug":1155,"timeToDo":7,"title":1156,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"BM1x6eCNlY51NBLMjhDChl",1145,"The idea is older than it sounds and the setup takes about ten minutes. The hard part is keeping the account alive long enough for it to matter, and not overthinking what to put in it.",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":1141,"settingsThatMatter":1142,"shouldWorry":1143,"whatToDoNow":1144},"If a friend mentioned theirs and your kid wants their own email, that's a different conversation about supervised accounts and parental controls. This guide is for the version you run quietly, for them, not with them.","Two settings carry the whole thing: a recovery email pointed at your personal account, so inactivity warnings actually reach you, and the provider's beneficiary or inactive-account option if it has one. Gmail's Inactive Account Manager lets you set who gets access if you stop logging in, which is the closest thing to a backstop.","Not really. The worst case is a forgotten inbox, which is roughly what happens to most baby books too. It's more about whether the format will mean something to you than whether it's a risk worth managing.","Open any free account, set the recovery address to your own email, and send one thing today. The earlier you start the more it accumulates. The first email is the only one that's awkward.","2026-05-25T12:00:00.000Z",{"headline":1147,"keyPoints":1148,"summary":1154},"Open a free email account, send things to it over the years, hand it over later.",[1149,1150,1151,1152,1153],"The username barely matters; nobody else will ever see it","Log in once or twice a year or you risk losing the account to inactivity","Set your own email as the recovery address so warning notices reach you","Don't put videos in the inbox; use the provider's cloud drive or your own backup","Treat it as a supplement to a physical record, not a replacement","Pick any provider. Send photos, voice notes, and the small stuff that won't survive a phone upgrade. Log in once or twice a year so the account isn't deleted, and back up the important pieces somewhere you control.","email-address-for-your-newborn","Why I made an email address for each of my kids when they were born",{"_id":1158,"answerFallback":7,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1159,"excerpt":1160,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":7,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":691,"lastReviewedAt":7,"parentDecision":1161,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":1166,"quickAnswer":1167,"slug":1176,"timeToDo":7,"title":1177,"topics":7,"updateNotes":1178,"updatedAt":7},"RT5gHQWRhYDhfTp0YGrgbo",689,"Most screen-time advice is written for parents preventing a problem. This is for the rest of us. The families already in it, who need a real plan for walking it back without burning the house down.",{"ifYourKidIsAskingBecause":1162,"settingsThatMatter":1163,"shouldWorry":1164,"whatToDoNow":1165},"Meltdowns about losing screen time are the predictable middle of the curve, not a sign you broke something. Ride it out without giving back what you cut. The protest phase usually settles in a few days to two weeks.","Charging station outside bedrooms. Notifications off on every app that isn't human-to-human. Family account so app installs need approval. Bedtime mode set to actually shut things down. Architecture before policing.","Not in the way the rest of the internet wants. You didn't fail, you adapted. The conditions made it necessary. If they've changed, the screen time can too.","Do two things in the next 48 hours. Move device charging out of any bedroom to a central spot. Turn off notifications on everything that isn't a person talking to your kid. Don't cut screen time yet. That comes later.","2026-05-13T16:53:00.000Z",{"headline":1168,"keyPoints":1169,"summary":1175},"Climbing down from a lot of screen time is a recalibration, not a rescue mission.",[1170,1171,1172,1173,1174],"You didn't fail. You adapted. The necessity period was correct at the time, even if you want a different shape now.","Start with environmental changes (where the device lives, notifications off) before reducing any time.","Taper roughly 30 minutes per week rather than going cold turkey. The slow climb-down sticks in fragile households.","Don't aim for zero unless you want zero. Most families land around an hour a day with shape, and that's fine.","Genuine-need screen hours (work crunch, sick parent, no childcare) are the last hours to touch, not the first.","You didn't fail. You adapted. The move from a lot of screen time back to a little is a recalibration, not a rescue mission. Environmental changes first, slow taper second, no judgment about how you got here.","climbing-down-from-a-lot-of-screen-time","Climbing Down From a Lot of Screen Time",[1179],{"date":1180,"note":1181},"2026-05-13T17:31:00.000Z","Initial draft. Written for parents climbing down from a heavy screen-time period (COVID, career, caregiving) without judgment about how they got there.",{"_id":1183,"answerFallback":1184,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"bodyWordCount":1185,"excerpt":1186,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":7,"featuredImageUrl":7,"gamePlacement":7,"group":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"kind":1187,"lastReviewedAt":1188,"parentDecision":7,"primaryGame":7,"publishedAt":1188,"quickAnswer":1189,"slug":1197,"timeToDo":7,"title":1198,"topics":7,"updateNotes":7,"updatedAt":7},"pzsG0jkw9smmfHT1ez0HnE","A small kid-proof box next to your TV. The kids turn it on, pick a game from a menu of consoles you've set up, and play. Works for everything from NES through PlayStation, all on a single wireless controller.",2276,"Build a kid-proof retro gaming console with a Raspberry Pi and your old cartridges. Plays NES through PlayStation. Around $80 to $130 in parts, a weekend of setup, no Linux experience required.","build","2026-05-07T00:00:00Z",{"headline":1190,"keyPoints":1191,"summary":1196},"A weekend project to play your old game cartridges on a Raspberry Pi",[1192,1193,1194,1195],"Total cost: $80 to $130, depending on what you have lying around","Plays everything up through PlayStation","Setup takes a weekend; no Linux experience required","Kiosk mode keeps kids out of system settings","Build a small kid-proof retro gaming console using a Raspberry Pi and RetroPie. Works for everything up through PlayStation. Total cost: $80 to $130 depending on what you already own.","retro-gaming-pi-build","Bringing Your Nostalgia Home: Building an Affordable  Retro Gaming System Your Kids Will Love to Use",{"data":1200,"sourceMap":-1},{"articles":1201,"authors":1226,"games":1231,"lists":1423,"overviews":1457},[1202,1203,1204,1205,1206,1207,1208,1209,1210,1211,1212,1213,1214,1215,1216,1217,1218,1219,1220,1221,1222,1223,1224,1225],{"_id":1046,"excerpt":1048,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":1049,"imageUrl":1050,"kind":973,"publishedAt":1051,"slug":1052,"title":1053,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":756,"excerpt":758,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":674,"imageUrl":675,"kind":691,"publishedAt":681,"slug":771,"title":772,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":968,"excerpt":970,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":971,"imageUrl":972,"kind":973,"publishedAt":974,"slug":975,"title":976,"updatedAt":978},{"_id":775,"excerpt":689,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":363,"imageUrl":370,"kind":691,"publishedAt":681,"slug":692,"title":693,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":980,"excerpt":982,"gameSlug":1006,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":983,"imageUrl":984,"kind":680,"publishedAt":1007,"slug":1012,"title":1013,"updatedAt":1017},{"_id":791,"excerpt":793,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":794,"imageUrl":795,"kind":691,"publishedAt":808,"slug":816,"title":817,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":1055,"excerpt":1057,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":1058,"imageUrl":1059,"kind":691,"publishedAt":1060,"slug":1064,"title":1065,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":1067,"excerpt":1069,"gameSlug":1006,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":1070,"imageUrl":1071,"kind":876,"publishedAt":1077,"slug":1078,"title":1079,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":1099,"excerpt":1101,"gameSlug":1121,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":7,"imageUrl":7,"kind":973,"publishedAt":1122,"slug":1123,"title":1124,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":1081,"excerpt":1083,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":7,"imageUrl":7,"kind":691,"publishedAt":808,"slug":1096,"title":1097,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":821,"excerpt":823,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":824,"imageUrl":825,"kind":691,"publishedAt":808,"slug":842,"title":843,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":846,"excerpt":848,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":849,"imageUrl":701,"kind":680,"publishedAt":808,"slug":866,"title":867,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":1137,"excerpt":1139,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":7,"imageUrl":7,"kind":691,"publishedAt":1145,"slug":1155,"title":1156,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":1158,"excerpt":1160,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":7,"imageUrl":7,"kind":691,"publishedAt":1166,"slug":1176,"title":1177,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":870,"excerpt":872,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":873,"imageUrl":874,"kind":876,"publishedAt":681,"slug":886,"title":887,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":957,"excerpt":959,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":960,"imageUrl":961,"kind":876,"publishedAt":963,"slug":964,"title":965,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":890,"excerpt":892,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":674,"imageUrl":675,"kind":894,"publishedAt":681,"slug":904,"title":905,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":21,"excerpt":666,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":674,"imageUrl":675,"kind":680,"publishedAt":681,"slug":724,"title":723,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":917,"excerpt":919,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":920,"imageUrl":921,"kind":876,"publishedAt":681,"slug":934,"title":935,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":938,"excerpt":940,"gameSlug":690,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":941,"imageUrl":942,"kind":691,"publishedAt":681,"slug":953,"title":954,"updatedAt":681},{"_id":1023,"excerpt":1025,"gameSlug":1006,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":1026,"imageUrl":1027,"kind":691,"publishedAt":1007,"slug":1037,"title":1038,"updatedAt":1017},{"_id":732,"excerpt":734,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":735,"imageUrl":7,"kind":691,"publishedAt":7,"slug":750,"title":751,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":1126,"excerpt":1128,"gameSlug":1121,"hasPrimaryGame":6,"imageAlt":7,"imageUrl":7,"kind":973,"publishedAt":1122,"slug":1134,"title":1135,"updatedAt":7},{"_id":1183,"excerpt":1186,"gameSlug":7,"hasPrimaryGame":684,"imageAlt":7,"imageUrl":7,"kind":1187,"publishedAt":1188,"slug":1197,"title":1198,"updatedAt":7},[1227],{"_id":1228,"credentials":7,"creditCount":1229,"imageUrl":1230,"name":22,"role":7,"sameAs":7,"slug":12},"bda9c6d1-b71c-4038-8f63-ad1641a55152",55,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fb3149ab50bd82f2fc9bbca6533a22f7b46efa8bc-502x508.png",[1232,1240,1246,1256,1264,1272,1280,1287,1294,1301,1309,1316,1319,1326,1333,1340,1347,1354,1357,1364,1371,1378,1381,1388,1395,1402,1409,1416],{"_id":1233,"excerpt":1234,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1235,"imageUrl":1236,"menuLabel":1237,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":7,"publishedAt":1238,"showInNav":7,"slug":1239,"title":1237,"updatedAt":7},"21e5d368-ebb7-401e-a906-d43478150866","A lovely first game for young children and Sesame Street fans. My four-year-old loved Tango's guidance and Grover's puzzles, with very little help from me.","A pink player character stands beside Tango on Sesame Street, with Find the Keys displayed at the top right.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F77886956181c808c0ff65ac2b7f710a99a78b62a-2560x1440.png","Sesame Street: Friends & Fun","2026-10-13T18:55:11Z","sesame-street-friends-and-fun",{"_id":1241,"excerpt":1242,"finalRecommendation":1107,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":971,"imageUrl":972,"menuLabel":1243,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":7,"publishedAt":1244,"showInNav":7,"slug":1245,"title":1243,"updatedAt":7},"63ff923b-b314-49e7-bac0-ea08bec2e552","A parent's Marvel Rivals review covering spending, chat, age ratings and stopping between matches, based on Shannon's first few days on Windows PC.","Marvel Rivals","2026-10-25T23:26:36.897Z","marvel-rivals",{"_id":1247,"excerpt":1248,"finalRecommendation":1249,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1250,"imageUrl":1251,"menuLabel":1252,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1253,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1255,"title":1252,"updatedAt":1254},"game-among-us","Among Us looks innocent but chat is the entire game. A kid in public lobbies will be in chat with strangers, and Innersloth's under-13 parent-permission flow is the safety surface most families never set up.","cautious-yes","Among Us crewmate characters in a meeting voting on who the impostor is.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fdfd663dee7aee63d3a5af569452fe1ceece593c1-2400x1350.png","Among Us","breakout-hit","2026-05-14T00:00:00.000Z","among-us",{"_id":1257,"excerpt":1258,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1259,"imageUrl":1260,"menuLabel":1261,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1263,"title":1261,"updatedAt":1254},"game-animal-crossing-new-horizons","Animal Crossing: New Horizons is often called the holy grail of safe multiplayer for younger kids. You only visit islands of people you have exchanged friend codes with. That's why it earns the reputation.","Animal Crossing: New Horizons player customizing their cozy island, with cartoon animal villagers in the background.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fdf5cb2a6685ec164d89e59c2be6774d9da8e2d1b-1920x1080.png","Animal Crossing: New Horizons","mainstream","animal-crossing-new-horizons",{"_id":1265,"excerpt":1266,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1267,"imageUrl":1268,"menuLabel":1269,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1253,"publishedAt":1270,"showInNav":7,"slug":1271,"title":1269,"updatedAt":1254},"game-astro-bot","The full standalone follow-up to Astro's Playroom. Same studio, same gentle posture, much more content. Still single-player, still no online stuff to manage, still safe for a three-year-old with help.","Astro Bot Cover Art","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F86f70a980bdcae0e652163723347096ee55d5bfb-1920x1080.png","Astro Bot","2026-05-13T00:00:00.000Z","astro-bot",{"_id":1273,"excerpt":1274,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1275,"imageUrl":1276,"menuLabel":1277,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1278,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1279,"title":1277,"updatedAt":1254},"game-astroneer","Astroneer is the Minecraft-but-calmer recommendation. Cooperative sandbox on procedurally generated planets. No combat, no enemies, just exploration and base-building.","Astroneer scene with a colorful astronaut character exploring a procedurally generated alien planet.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F44eb9c249a0d13347e16a0f1ce9530afcccd492b-616x353.png","Astroneer","niche","astroneer",{"_id":1281,"excerpt":1282,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1283,"imageUrl":1284,"menuLabel":1285,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1270,"showInNav":7,"slug":1286,"title":1285,"updatedAt":1254},"game-astros-playroom","The PS5 ships with Astro's Playroom already installed. We've used it as the on-ramp for our kids, including the three-year-old. Single-player, offline, no purchases, no chat.","Astro's playroom cover art from Playstation.com","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F29ba61cfe4ca81a8e13cba5e9e22d71ded0ef289-3840x2160.png","Astro's Playroom","astros-playroom",{"_id":1288,"excerpt":1289,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1290,"imageUrl":1291,"menuLabel":1292,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1293,"title":1292,"updatedAt":1254},"game-bluey-the-videogame","Bluey: The Videogame is a calm, character-led mini-game collection for ages 4 to 7. No chat, no online play, no purchases. The kind of first-game pick that doesn't demand anything of a parent.","Bluey and Bingo from the Bluey TV show in the Heeler family frontyard, the setting of Bluey: The Videogame.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F307c8a57f091ab9c409e7aae6d8a069c4ff73880-1920x1080.png","Bluey: The Videogame","bluey-the-videogame",{"_id":1295,"excerpt":1296,"finalRecommendation":1249,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1297,"imageUrl":1298,"menuLabel":1299,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1270,"showInNav":7,"slug":1300,"title":1299,"updatedAt":1254},"game-clash-royale","Rated E10+, App Store 9+, but the economic shape of the game in 2026 feels closer to 12+. The question isn't whether the game is appropriate, but whether the kid is ready to play a game with this monetization model.","Clash Royale characters","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F5b9746f1addf2e699403544ee239d16d319a01e4-1152x648.png","Clash Royale","clash-royale",{"_id":1302,"excerpt":1303,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1304,"imageUrl":1305,"menuLabel":1306,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1307,"showInNav":7,"slug":1308,"title":1306,"updatedAt":7},"game-disney-dreamlight-valley","A Disney game with plenty of appeal for older kids and adults: outfits to collect, a character to customise and some moderately challenging puzzles. My provisional fit is around 10+ for independent reading.","My character in Dreamlight Valley beside Disney characters, with the village and game interface visible.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F776b0eaa52878bfe0db57b7e534c898cae03917b-2560x1440.png","Disney Dreamlight Valley","2026-10-13T00:00:00Z","disney-dreamlight-valley",{"_id":1310,"excerpt":1311,"finalRecommendation":1249,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1312,"imageUrl":1313,"menuLabel":1314,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1315,"title":1314,"updatedAt":1254},"game-fall-guys","Fall Guys reads like a low-stakes party game and that's mostly accurate, but it shares the Epic ecosystem with Fortnite. Account setup, cosmetic pressure, and event tie-ins surprise families.","Fall Guys Game, dozens of colorful blob characters racing through an obstacle course.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fdc335fa006efa27f6195eeb107a14781bba6bf82-1920x1080.png","Fall Guys","fall-guys",{"_id":698,"excerpt":700,"finalRecommendation":702,"hasGuide":6,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":849,"imageUrl":701,"menuLabel":709,"pageCount":5,"popularityTier":1317,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":684,"slug":690,"title":718,"updatedAt":1318},"mega-hit","2026-10-26T00:00:00.000Z",{"_id":1320,"excerpt":1321,"finalRecommendation":1249,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1322,"imageUrl":1323,"menuLabel":1324,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1325,"title":1324,"updatedAt":1254},"game-it-takes-two","It Takes Two is the two-player parent-and-kid story everyone recommends, and the divorce framing is the conversation. Rated T. Wrenching moments parents should know about before the first scene plays.","It Takes Two co-op scene with the two parent-doll characters in a fantasy world setting.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F138602ec21aba7e6f91889a01b4cb06c5ce0d8b6-2400x1350.png","It Takes Two","it-takes-two",{"_id":1327,"excerpt":1328,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1329,"imageUrl":1330,"menuLabel":1331,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1332,"title":1331,"updatedAt":1254},"game-kirby-and-the-forgotten-land","Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the entry-level 3D platformer for kids who can't yet handle Mario Odyssey. Two-player mode lets a parent jump in as Bandana Waddle Dee for support.","Kirby and the Forgotten Land scene with Kirby exploring an abandoned cityscape with Bandana Waddle Dee.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F02a69fe855232049350df6c3d546ab59a0760f29-1920x1080.png","Kirby and the Forgotten Land","kirby-and-the-forgotten-land",{"_id":1334,"excerpt":1335,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1336,"imageUrl":1337,"menuLabel":1338,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1339,"title":1338,"updatedAt":1254},"game-lego-games-series","The LEGO games series is the reliable family co-op catalog. Drop-in\u002Fdrop-out couch co-op, forgiving checkpoints, and a generation of kids who learned 'collect everything' here.","LEGO Batman","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fcc4a2bad83002beb75bc54e782a73be6ce2bf41a-1600x700.png","LEGO Games (Series)","lego-games-series",{"_id":1341,"excerpt":1342,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1343,"imageUrl":1344,"menuLabel":1345,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1278,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1346,"title":1345,"updatedAt":1254},"game-lil-gator-game","Lil Gator Game is the open-world game without open-world problems. No combat, no fail state, just a gator with cardboard armor doing quests for friends.","Lil Gator Game scene with the gator protagonist wearing cardboard armor exploring a small island with animal friends.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fd72cb138b44e5dd5eee0a2529a6142a7b808e745-1920x1080.png","Lil Gator Game","lil-gator-game",{"_id":1348,"excerpt":1349,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1350,"imageUrl":1351,"menuLabel":1352,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1317,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1353,"title":1352,"updatedAt":1254},"game-mario-kart-8-deluxe","Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the default Switch family game. Everyone names it. Worth a review anyway because parents ask about online lobbies, smart-steering options, and whether five-year-olds can keep up.","Mario Kart 8 Deluxe race in progress, four karts driving on a Rainbow Road circuit.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Ff4f3bf28a7de97d539b2e08cbe0dcca0995576c0-1240x698.png","Mario Kart 8 Deluxe","mario-kart-8-deluxe",{"_id":989,"excerpt":991,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":6,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1355,"imageUrl":992,"menuLabel":997,"pageCount":1356,"popularityTier":1317,"publishedAt":1270,"showInNav":6,"slug":1006,"title":997,"updatedAt":1254},"Minecraft Cover Art",3,{"_id":1358,"excerpt":1359,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1360,"imageUrl":1361,"menuLabel":1362,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1363,"title":1362,"updatedAt":1254},"game-nintendo-switch-sports","Nintendo Switch Sports is the grandparent-visit default. Motion controls let preschoolers join in without learning a controller. Multi-generational family gaming.","Nintendo Switch Sports characters in a tennis match, Sportsmate avatars on a colorful court.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F8ff1de7dc81656c329a1b2f7f7b9867fe22b77f0-1920x1080.png","Nintendo Switch Sports","nintendo-switch-sports",{"_id":1365,"excerpt":1366,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1367,"imageUrl":1368,"menuLabel":1369,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1370,"title":1369,"updatedAt":1254},"game-overcooked-2","Overcooked 2 is the co-op cooking game everyone recommends as the parent-and-kid pick. Realistically, it can frustrate younger kids and parents need to know which levels actually work for mixed ability.","Overcooked 2 Official Cover Art","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fa338d062128e95a5a07d7d37ef957d68fc607561-2400x1350.png","Overcooked 2","overcooked-2",{"_id":1372,"excerpt":1373,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1374,"imageUrl":1375,"menuLabel":1376,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1317,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1377,"title":1376,"updatedAt":1254},"game-pokemon-scarlet-violet","Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is the current Pokemon generation. The single-player core is the appeal. Tera Raids and Union Circle pull kids into casual online play with strangers, which parents rarely notice.","Pokemon Scarlet and Violet open-world scene with a trainer and starter Pokemon exploring the Paldea region.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F5971b4f0d4231128d9dbdbfb90e7f83947a98610-500x430.png","Pokemon Scarlet & Violet","pokemon-scarlet-violet",{"_id":1103,"excerpt":1105,"finalRecommendation":1107,"hasGuide":6,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1379,"imageUrl":1106,"menuLabel":1111,"pageCount":798,"popularityTier":1317,"publishedAt":1270,"showInNav":6,"slug":1121,"title":1111,"updatedAt":1380},"Roblox Cover Art","2026-07-14T12:00:00Z",{"_id":1382,"excerpt":1383,"finalRecommendation":1249,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1384,"imageUrl":1385,"menuLabel":1386,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1253,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1387,"title":1386,"updatedAt":1254},"game-rocket-league","Rocket League is cars playing soccer. Often dismissed as 'fine' because there's no shooting. Now an Epic title with cabined accounts, voice chat tiers, and Quick Chat that some lobbies abuse.","Rocket League video game, two rocket-powered cars chasing a giant soccer ball on a stadium pitch.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F234c229eeca507a626da8c9a7a8a54680a4e1911-1536x1024.png","Rocket League","rocket-league",{"_id":1389,"excerpt":1390,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1391,"imageUrl":1392,"menuLabel":1393,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1270,"showInNav":7,"slug":1394,"title":1393,"updatedAt":1254},"game-sackboy-a-big-adventure","A 3D platformer with up to four-player local co-op. The one to reach for when the whole family is in the room at the same time. Cute, no violence, very forgiving when you turn the assist on.","Sackboy a Big Adventure","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fa01a9bd95055deded54d1eb6ce2e325726f4a8fd-2560x1440.png","Sackboy: A Big Adventure","sackboy-a-big-adventure",{"_id":1396,"excerpt":1397,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1398,"imageUrl":1399,"menuLabel":1400,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1278,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1401,"title":1400,"updatedAt":1254},"game-snipperclips","Snipperclips is the quietly perfect co-op puzzle game. Two players cut paper characters into shapes to solve problems together. No reading required. No fail state.","Snipperclips characters as paper cutouts working together to solve a shape puzzle.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F8ac0e396d236b910c05d3384177377cc58c2a23d-1280x720.png","Snipperclips","snipperclips",{"_id":1403,"excerpt":1404,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1405,"imageUrl":1406,"menuLabel":1407,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1262,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1408,"title":1407,"updatedAt":1254},"game-splatoon-3","Splatoon 3 is the rare kid-facing online shooter built without in-game voice chat. The chat surface is two preset phrases. Most parents dismiss it for the wrong reason.","Splatoon 3 Turf War match in progress, four squid-kid players covering the map in opposing-team ink.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F821cd9c20be43a72c2d26cc120d3a06c85b76238-2400x1350.png","Splatoon 3","splatoon-3",{"_id":1410,"excerpt":1411,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1412,"imageUrl":1413,"menuLabel":1414,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1253,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1415,"title":1414,"updatedAt":1254},"game-stardew-valley","Stardew Valley is the cozy farming sim parents love and underestimate the reading load on. For a fluent-reader kid who likes routine, it's a long, calm hit. For younger kids, it's a wall of menus.","Stardew Valley farm scene with crops, fences, and the player character watering plants in the early morning.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F7afc7f30d6a0acb1c8fe968e771214f1a9aeb014-1917x1078.png","Stardew Valley","stardew-valley",{"_id":1417,"excerpt":1418,"finalRecommendation":993,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":6,"imageAlt":1419,"imageUrl":1420,"menuLabel":1421,"pageCount":678,"popularityTier":1317,"publishedAt":1254,"showInNav":7,"slug":1422,"title":1421,"updatedAt":1254},"game-super-mario-bros-wonder","Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the current 2D Mario. The badge system and difficulty options scale to mixed-ability play; four-player local co-op chaos is the family default.","Super Mario Bros. Wonder scene with Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy in a colorful 2D platformer level.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fda6fbf18e5c69cb2c764623b87f7cf5070bb9aeb-2000x1000.png","Super Mario Bros. Wonder","super-mario-bros-wonder",[1424,1446],{"_id":1425,"_type":1426,"ageBandMax":994,"ageBandMin":1427,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"axis":1428,"entryCount":1429,"excerpt":1430,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":1431,"featuredImageUrl":1432,"forWhom":1433,"gameTypes":1434,"introText":1440,"lastReviewedAt":1441,"platforms":1442,"publishedAt":1007,"slug":1443,"title":1444,"updatedAt":1445},"2e14a885-41f6-4200-8bd8-b696a9f431ac","gameList",4,"age",16,"A tiered first-games list for the four-to-seven stretch: what each game actually asks of a kid, and which one to hand them depending on where they are.","Astro's Playroom is Free with every PS5","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002F5ea80572204a807bea980f62eee17c83242d0fa6-1000x563.png","Parents of kids roughly four to seven, looking for a first real video game on a Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. Not a phone, not a tablet. Less useful if you want an exhaustive directory of every kids' game ever made.",[1435,1436,1437,1438,1439],"platformer","party-family","creative-sandbox","cozy-life-sim","adventure","A four-year-old picking up a controller for the first time is learning two things at once: the game in front of them, and what gaming itself feels like. The second one is what lingers. A first game that fights them, or that is obviously cheap, teaches a lesson about the whole medium that takes a while to undo.\n\nMost of what comes up when you search for games for young kids has one of two problems. A lot of it is licensed shovelware tied to whatever cartoon is currently in rotation, and the rest is games built for older kids, recommended on the theory that a four-year-old will grow into them. What both versions miss is that four-to-seven is not one age. A four-year-old needs assist modes, soft fail states, and a game where mashing every button at once cannot break anything that matters. A seven-year-old can read, can lose without the evening ending, and can carry a save file across weeks. Those are different players.","2026-10-13T19:04:00.000Z",[713,715,714,712],"best-games-to-introduce-kids-ages-4-7","The best video games to introduce your kid to gaming (ages 4-7)","2026-10-13T19:03:00.000Z",{"_id":1447,"_type":1426,"ageBandMax":1448,"ageBandMin":1109,"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"axis":1449,"entryCount":5,"excerpt":1450,"featured":684,"featuredImageAlt":1451,"featuredImageUrl":1413,"forWhom":1452,"gameTypes":7,"introText":1453,"lastReviewedAt":7,"platforms":7,"publishedAt":1454,"slug":1455,"title":1456,"updatedAt":7},"dd35299d-db2b-411d-998d-cfe3f0535841",12,"coop","A r\u002Fgaming thread asked parents which game they like playing with their kid. Almost three hundred answers later, the same handful of games keep coming up, often with the same warnings attached.","A screenshot of Stardew Valley","If you have a kid roughly five to twelve and you want a parent-tested list of co-op games to play together. Less useful if you came in looking for picks for teenagers, because most of the answers in this thread are about younger kids, which is its own interesting signal.","The thread was straightforward. A parent looking for games to play with his friend's teenage boys, ages thirteen and fifteen, both with a PS5 and an Xbox Series X. What came back was almost three hundred replies, most of them about playing games with much younger kids.\n\nThat gap is worth pausing on. The Reddit hive mind on co-op with your kid lives somewhere around ages five through ten. The games that get named over and over are not the obvious teen-leaning shooters. They are chaos co-op, builder games, and a small group of titles by one studio that have basically become a genre of their own. The fifteen-year-old gaming PC adjacent multi-platform demographic the original poster asked about is largely absent from this thread, which is its own answer.","2026-05-22T16:00:00.000Z","reddit-co-op-games-parents-play-with-kids","The games parents on Reddit actually play with their kids",[1458],{"_id":9,"esrbRating":1459,"hasGuide":684,"hasReview":684,"multiplayerOptions":1460,"name":1461,"overview":1462,"pegiRating":7,"platforms":1468,"publishers":1469,"releaseDate":1471,"slug":1472},"e",[704,705],"Bluey's Happy Snaps",{"authorName":22,"authorSlug":12,"excerpt":1463,"featured":6,"imageAlt":1464,"imageUrl":1465,"noIndex":7,"publishedAt":1466,"title":1467,"updatedAt":7},"A new Bluey game about taking photos, exploring and playing together. Here are the official details for families, including prices, platforms and how two-player mode works.","Bluey holds a camera beside Bingo, with their family and familiar places behind them, in official Bluey's Happy Snaps artwork.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.sanity.io\u002Fimages\u002Fduim1jr2\u002Fproduction\u002Fd38d02dac70317c3c0682b873cb9a303c462e6be-1920x1080.png","2026-10-17T18:31:55.408Z","Bluey's Happy Snaps: what it is and what it costs",[713,715,714,712],[1470],"Gameloft","2026-10-15","blueys-happy-snaps"]