My children are avid Roblox fans, logging in daily. If you’re unaware, Roblox is a platform teeming with millions of user-generated games; it’s a haven for kids aged 5 to 12 (and beyond). The theory is simple: kids enjoy playing games, and they also love creating them. While the platform is technically free, many users spend on Robux, though we stick to the free side. During the pandemic, it has been my 11-year-old’s social hub, where he connects with friends. Meanwhile, my 9- and 7-year-olds play together. I often grumble about their excessive screen time — all three crammed into one room, glued to their devices: one on the TV with headphones, and the others on tablets.
Recently, I spoke with Max Richards, Editor-in-Chief at The Parent Hub and Head of The Parent Gaming. We had a great discussion about how games — especially Rocket League — had become an effortless way for him to bond with his kids. I joked about my struggles with a PS2 controller and reminisced about my N64 days, where I could defeat Ganon without using the blue potion. I missed those carefree college days spent playing Dance, Dance Revolution and Mario Kart (falling off Rainbow Road certainly warranted a shot).
Then I thought: Why not give Roblox a try? It’s just a blocky character wandering around, right? Instead of complaining about their screen time, what if I joined in?
“Can I play Roblox?” I asked my kids, a bit hesitantly. “Do we have another tablet, or can I use my phone?”
My middle son’s eyes lit up. “You want to play?”
I nodded, and after some trial and error, I was set up to play on my phone. Everyone jumped in to help create my avatar. I needed this hairstyle. I needed that shirt. And off I went to join my Blox family.
They Introduced Me to Wacky Wizards
“Okay, you have to start with Wacky Wizards,” said my son Oliver, who usually chooses their games. This wasn’t by chance; Wacky Wizards is his favorite. It involves mini-quests to gather potion ingredients for your cauldron, resulting in bizarre transformations like shrinking or flying.
My youngest, Leo, sat next to me and directed me on what to add to my cauldron. Suddenly, a squeal erupted from our other couch. Oliver had discovered a new potion. “Mom! DRINK THIS!” he yelled, rushing to my in-game character. A tiny Baby Yoda appeared on-screen.
“Is that you?” I asked.
“I found a Baby Yoda potion!”
“Make me Baby Yoda!”
And he did. I followed him on quests he had already completed, with Leo tagging along. We played for an hour and a half. I was hooked.
We Played Nonstop
Oliver pretended to be too cool to join our Roblox adventures, so Leo and I tackled games like Little World, where you evolve as a bug and can randomly acquire a pet alligator (because why not?). They always waited for me to catch up: “I’m near the spawn point.” “Oh, there you are! Follow me to…”
“Hey, I’m trying this game called Vans World,” I announced. You skateboard and can customize your shoes, akin to Tony Hawk Pro Skater but with blocky characters. “Want to join me?”
We explored Vans World together, uncovering secret skate parks and leveling up our tricks. Another hour and a half flew by. “I need to write now,” I said. “I’ll play again later.”
“Nooooo!” was the collective response. My kids thought it was cool I was playing. My husband chuckled as he walked through the living room, commenting on how adorable it was.
“Shut up,” I replied. “I’ll beat you at Vans World!”
Please Don’t Report Us in Brookhaven
Brookhaven is Roblox’s take on “Real World Roleplay.” You create a house, get a job, own a pet, and maybe even a baby. Theoretically, you make friends. Oliver, Leo, and I built homes close to one another, and I ended up with rainbow fairy wings. Eventually, Oliver decided to join us and constructed a house next to my fantastic treehouse.
Then I found out I could ride a horse while wearing my fairy wings. We galloped around the city, and I discovered I could grab a candy bar from the grocery store while on horseback.
“Hey,” Oliver said. “Let’s rob the bank!”
After some initial confusion (how did Leo have a keycard for the bank?), we attempted a heist, laughing all the while. We even commandeered an Army tank for our final escapade. I rode on the back, innocent in my fairy wings, as we jumped off a diving board.
“I CAN MAKE MY HORSE BLACK!” I shouted.
Soon, we were a gang of Roblox misfits, riding black horses with a tank. I hadn’t laughed that hard with my kids in ages. It was cooperative, fun, and absurd, and I had my rainbow fairy wings.
They dragged me into battle games, and though I died often (not surprising since I’ve always struggled with shooters), they were patient and always found me in-game. “We need to find a game where Mom won’t die instantly,” Oliver suggested.
When I asked to join, they never turned me down. I initially thought they might find it amusing to have me in Roblox, but they genuinely enjoyed it. They were thrilled to welcome me into their quirky world of potion-making, bug evolution, and even bank heists.
If you can, give your kids’ games a shot. I thought it would be a fun experiment, but I never expected to enjoy it so much myself. I became addicted to Brookhaven and Vans World. Now, I’m constantly asking, “What are you playing?” and instead of sighing, they reply, “I’ll show you. Come play with us.”
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Summary
In an effort to bond with my kids, I decided to join their daily Roblox sessions. Initially skeptical, I found immense joy in playing games like Wacky Wizards and Brookhaven with them. The experience transformed our family time and strengthened our connections, revealing the fun that can be found in shared interests, even in a digital realm.
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