From PokePark to Personal Growth
- JP de la Rama
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 8
How Retro Gaming Taught My Daughter (and Me) About Breaking Barriers
“Barriers aren’t built by the world — they’re built by belief. And the moment you choose to believe in yourself, they start to crumble.”
Setting the Stage
Recently, I bought a modded Nintendo Wii. I didn't do it for nostalgia; I wanted to share a piece of my childhood with my 5-year-old daughter. Surprisingly, it still holds up.
The Wii has an entire library of retro titles. From NES classics to N64 favorites, it offers a simple, joyful experience. This is a refreshing change from the expensive and overwhelming AAA games of today.
Gaming has transformed from a humble hobby into a luxury. With rising console prices and overpriced expansions, it’s easy to forget that games were once about fun, discovery, and imagination.
That old Wii gave us something far more valuable than entertainment. It became a tool for growth, resilience, and bonding.
Breaking Barriers, One Quest at a Time
One of the games that quickly became my daughter’s favorite was PokePark.
On the surface, it’s a bright, cheerful adventure with cute Pokémon, simple mechanics, and heartwarming stories. But beneath that child-friendly exterior lies a deeper lesson about perseverance and reward.
The premise is simple: you complete quests, and your reward is friendship. However, as the difficulty increased, I saw my daughter struggle. She was frustrated and wanted to give up. That’s when I stepped in.
I sat beside her, encouraged her through each attempt, and reminded her that every failure was just a step closer to success. Eventually, with patience, determination, and a little guidance, she completed every quest and triumphed.
This experience reminded me of a scene from the manga Kagurabachi vol. 4, where Shiba tells Hakuri:
“Your feelings… it sounds simple, but… habits are hard to break. You grew up in that environment. You were treated differently. You believed you couldn’t do anything. And without being conscious of it, you put up barriers.”
That line resonated with me. Many of us carry invisible barriers built by years of self-doubt, environment, or upbringing. Even when we’re capable, we often believe we’re not. We internalize the idea that we’re not enough, and that belief becomes the biggest obstacle to growth.
The Solution – Building Confidence Through Encouragement
What I learned from watching my daughter push through PokePark is that growth is not about talent. It’s about belief. And belief is something that needs to be nurtured.
Whether you’re parenting, mentoring, or teaching, the most powerful thing you can do is remind someone — especially a child — that they are not failures. They are learners. They are works in progress.
Every challenge they face, every frustration they feel, and every “I can’t do this” moment is part of the process. When guided with patience, encouragement, and trust, they eventually break those invisible barriers.
This lesson applies to artists, creators, and professionals as well. Somewhere along the way, many of us were told we weren’t good enough — and we believed it. But the truth is, we all have the capacity to grow, adapt, and master our craft.
Just like my daughter with her Pokémon quests, we only need someone — sometimes even ourselves — to say:
“You’re not failing. You’re learning.”
Tips for Artists (and Parents) on Breaking Mental Barriers
Reframe “failure” as feedback – Each mistake is a clue toward growth, not a confirmation of inadequacy.
Encourage small wins – Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Momentum builds confidence.
Question limiting beliefs – Reflect on what you’ve been told about your capabilities and rewrite that narrative.
Model resilience – Show through your actions that growth is possible through persistence.
Guide with patience – Especially when mentoring or parenting, your encouragement is more powerful than criticism.
The Importance of Supportive Environments
Creating a supportive environment is crucial for growth. Whether at home, in schools, or workplaces, fostering a culture of encouragement can lead to remarkable transformations.
Building a Safe Space
A safe space allows individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment. This is essential for creativity and personal development. When people feel safe, they are more likely to take risks and explore new ideas.
Encouraging Open Communication
Open communication is vital. Encourage discussions about feelings, challenges, and aspirations. This helps individuals feel valued and understood. It also allows for collaborative problem-solving, which can lead to innovative solutions.
Celebrating Diversity
Diversity in thoughts, experiences, and backgrounds enriches any environment. Celebrate these differences to foster creativity and innovation. When people feel their unique perspectives are valued, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully.
Final Thoughts
Watching my daughter overcome challenges in a simple video game reminded me of one universal truth: we all have untapped potential waiting to break free. Sometimes, it just takes the right support — or the right words — to unlock it.
As artists, creators, or parents, our job isn’t just to create. It’s to inspire growth — in ourselves and in those we guide. Because the barriers we think define us? They’re only real if we let them be.
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