How to Play Fortnite With Your Kids

Your kids wont stop playing it, and youre fed up.

What do you do?

Or you might play, too.

But its not such an absurd idea to play the games your kids play.

at their devices, but also finding a way to connect with them.

And in the end, youll be more equipped to set up limits that make sense.

As AnyaKamenetzs dictum goes inThe Art of Screen Time: Enjoy screens.

Think you might be ready for battle?

Here are some things to know.

What Is Fortnite and What Is It Doing to Your Kids?

Fortnite: Battle Royalehas been described a cross betweenMinecraftandThe Hunger Games.

The mission is survival.

Plunked on an island, your job is to off other players while protecting yourself.

Youve got guns, axes, grenades, hatchets, booby traps and materials to build shelters.

Theres no blood or gore, but there are victory dances.

(The player-centric stories, steady learning curve and loyal community are a few major components.)

The fact that kids are so intoFortniteisnt necessarily a terrible thing.

[My son] Leos squad member slipped him Slurp Juice, saving him from total demise.

Together they resourcefully collected supplies to build bridges, ramps, walls, and forts that served as refuges.

That new role boosted the kids confidence, which led him to raise his hand more in class.

Not a bad side effect.

And that might mean jumping onto the island with them.

I spoke with Joseph Armienti, aFortnitetutor withVarsity Tutors.

(A spokesperson for the company tells me theyve been getting more than 75 inquiries aboutFortnitetutoringper hour.)

Here are some of the top tips he gives those who are just getting started.

Practice near Tilted Towers.Its pretty much the most action-packed part of the map, he says.

Move to higher ground.If youre above your target, youre safer.

Learn how to build up a rush ramp.This is the ramp that goes straight forward and up.

Use it to get to higher ground or create higher ground.

Always keep your eyes out for llamas.

Later, the three of us discussed why it was okay to shoot imaginary aliens but not people.

Remember that its just a game.