My son is 4 years old and already enjoys video games, any advice on how much is too much?

Question

I don't mind the fact that he likes the games, but if I would let him, he would play all day.

Answer 1

My mom was really strict with my older brother and I, only allowing us to play up to 4 hours max. on the weekends (2 hours Sat and 2 Sun. - usually 30 min at a time) We learned to spend most of our time outside playing or inside doing something constructive like coloring. Over the years my mom got a little more lax on the rules and by the time my youngest brother (9 years younger) turned 4 he was allowed to play whenever he wanted. Now, at age 12, he has no interest in anything active or even doing his homework. His world revolves around his games and his grades in school reflect that. Since he spends all of his time playing games his weight has soared (he's even heavier than me and I'm 21 yrs old - 5'11.) I think if my mom would have gave him the same rules she gave my brother and myself, he wouldn't rely solely on those games for entertainment. Overall, I would keep the games to a minimum if at all. . . get him interested in something else! I think the best thing for me was the U-4 (ages 4-5) soccer league. I learned discipline, respect, how to socialize, and the importance of exercise and eating healthy.

Answer 2

Depends on the game. If it is an educational game give him up to an hour and a half otherwise I would let him play no more than 1 hour maximum a day. What kind of games are you letting him play? Will they help him with his hand eye coordination and/or his reasoning skills? Be careful what games you get for a child that young. Follow the raring system. It is in place for a reason. Just so you know I started playing video games with an Atari 2600.

Answer 3

I only let my sons (who are 4 & 5) play their video games for about an hour and then I make them do something else for a couple hours.

Answer 4

You most definitely do need to limit the video game playing as most kids would "play all day" as you said. Is he in pre-school? If so, limit it to only an hour afterwards. If he stays home with you then I would say limit it to one hour in the day as long as his room is picked up. Make sure that it is a privilege not a right to play video games. Again, one hour does seem to be a liberal amount of time to be allowed to play video games.

Answer 5

He is far too young to play any video games at all. Get rid of them immediately. They are very bad for his brain, his fingers, and very bad for his social development. They are strongly correlated wtih him being more violent and less informed. We own no video games, we have a 13 and 9 year old. Those things are garbage and we would never ever allow them in our house.

Stick to computer games - putt putt, freddie fish, zoombinis, hades challenge and limit time on to an hour a day.

Answer 6

At the age of 4, I would limit his video games to 1/2 hour at the max but his tv time should be limited to 1/2 hour as well. Get him outside, get him reading, arrange play dates, join soccer, play with him but limit his passive activity time!!

Answer 7

Hi EllieMay

You've raised a very common question with many parents put in this same dilemma nowadays.

There is no sure-fire answer to this I'm afraid and you initial 'school of thought' is to observe and play by ear.

This topic could be debated on indepthly.

Good Luck with everything


Clive Jenkins

Expert Ezine Author

Parenting Tips | Parenting Toddlers
http://www.parentingtipssite.com

Answer 8

Give him an hour a day to play video games . I wouldn't go over an hour though

Answer 9

30 minutes a day is enough IF homework and chores are done - set some standards now, before it gets out of control - I speak from experience! Video games can be VERY addicting.

Answer 10

i would say no more than 30 min, i mean hes 4 and well i dont think playin games tht early is good 4 him, i started playin games when i was like 10 so.... i do know tht there are alot of electrons goin at him and thts not good 4 da brain and stuff,