Hi all. I'm a geek parent of a happy three year old girl. My husband and I have been gaming for a long time. In fact its what drew us together. But having a child throws a whole new dynamic into things. When we had Katrina we became ostracized from our gaming friends. I knew it would happen. None of them had children or were comfortable around them. I didn't blame them in any way, but it was really hard. You don't realize how much something has become part of your life until you stop doing.
It is only recently I started gaming again. A sitter isn't really an option, and with a husband who can practically memorize all rules in a book in one read, you can guess which of us people would rather game with. But lately we've struck gold. We started gaming with other parents and people who do not mind a child about. On the same turn we don't want to just shut her off to her room. She knows how to roll dice with daddy and color on character sheets. At the moment she has no interest in the miniatures or maps and doesn't pay attention to the content.
We know that’s going to change. How do you handle that? Stop gaming again? Hide it from her like a bad smoke? At PAX I attended a panel on Geek Parenting. I wasn't able to stay for the whole thing, being needed elsewhere. However I left with many ideas. There are a number of good resources out there, like newbiedm.com. Geekmom and geekdad seem to keep up on things but are not solely focused on tabletop gaming. Many parents I know get their kids in on their gaming, but usually at an older age.
I am inspired. Why can't I make a module that Katrina can play when she gets a little older with mommy daddy and anyone else willing to rise to the challenge. I started by looking into what kinds of games are good for younger kids. You'd be surprised on how many groups are jumping on the bandwagon towards video games in the classroom. Its being researched as a useful tool for teachers as well as developers creating a variety of games. Currently geekmom/geekdad suggested the best game was minecraft. It teaches spacial awareness, math, strategy.
My idea is to make dnd modules to run for her when she is old enough. Most games for children her age are puzzles and strategy games. Well that’s not a problem with dnd. By trading out some of the combat encounters and overtones for a more emphasis on puzzle solving and strategy I SHOULD be able to make it interesting for both adults and children. PAX Was barely a week ago so that is as far as I've gotten in my research.
So I guess I'm not stopping my gaming just yet 
