I have a 5 year old and a 14 year old who are addicted to video games, causing arguments and bickering all the time because one took a longer turn and such, my husband also loves video games but is not addicted. How can I break them off of this cycle without being categorized as the "evil" parent?
2007-07-16 06:05:26 · 12 answers · asked by Curious One 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Get your husband to agree with you, and limit all time with "glowing boxes" (TV, video, computer, games, etc.) to one hour a day, maybe less for the five-year old. And make it that it's only AFTER homework, exercise and tasks. Make sure your husband enforces the rules. You have to include exercise in the equation to stabilize their moods and for good health. Personally, you should have the one hour be a total - they can spend one hour on video OR on TV, but not both. It's been shown that people who spend a lot of time on the computer are more likely to be depressed, btw.
2007-07-16 06:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
This may come as a shock to some, but video games aren't a neccesity. Play outside, take up sports, read, and by all means help with household chores. An hour a day of TV is more than enough. As the parent, you are in control. They are not required to always like it or agree. This is for their own good. Good luck.
2007-07-16 13:17:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, how about you take the video game system out of your home or into your bed room where your husband can play after the kids go to sleep. Put your kids outside and tell them to play in the fresh air. Be the "evil" parent. Your job is not to be friends with the kids... but to raise them to be healthy young adults... after they have grown... gone through puberty and matured a bit... then its time to be friends with them. If you let them walk all over you now... then they always will. Next time there is an argument... unplug the system and refuse to return it until they can act like humans again. You are the law in your home not your children.
2007-07-16 13:10:57 · answer #3 · answered by shadowsthathunt 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes you have to risk being "disliked" when you are a parent. Parenthood isn't about being "liked". It is about doing what is RIGHT for your child (and your family). If you have a 5 year old addicted to video games, you need to put an end to it. TODAY.
My advice to you is simple, but it will solve your problem:
No more.
As in give it away. Games and system included.
Use the extra time to do family activities.
Your boys may be upset with you for a time, but I guarantee they will not die (though they may try to convince you this is sure to occur) nor will they be emotionally scarred for life. We're talking about VIDEO GAMES here.
Take back your family and get rid of the video games.
Best of luck,
~M~
p.s. If your husband wants to keep the video games. It is as simple as this: tell the kids they are no longer allowed to play: at all. "limiting" video games will often just lead to more pressure from them, fighting over time slots, and a gradual reverting back to the old ways. If hubby wants to keep them, tell the kids they are no longer allowed. Hubby, of course, can do as he pleases.
2007-07-16 13:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by michele 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Throw the games out. Simple as that. A good parent does what is best for her kids whether they like it or not. Buy them books and movies to watch. Help them develop their minds. You are not their friend. They have only one mother or father.
2007-07-16 13:14:46 · answer #5 · answered by notyou311 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
First of all, have you ever played any of these video games? Video games today are very complicated and really do have many benefits:
-They develop thinking and all kinds of problem-solving skills
-RPGs help develop critical thinking and sequential reasoning ability
-RPGs contain historical interest, along with literary and cultural references. These aren’t always accurate, although sometimes they are. Many kids like to investigate the real events…to see and to compare.
-Memory skills are developed: floor plans, maps, mazes, puzzles, and placement of objects within 3-dimensional space
-Spatial reasoning is necessary to succeed at many games -- call it mathematical thinking if you liike, or geometric reasoning…
-Some games incorporate foreign languages and some of the translations from Japanese illustrate differences and similarities between our two cultures. There are interesting mixes of cultures. These are all lessons in cultural anthropology.
-Some games have artistic appeal – different worlds, different cultures.
-For aspiring writers: world-building skill that they need to develop continuity within their stories can be learned. Even those who don’t write much will enjoy this and gain critical thinking skills from working with these games.
-Vocabulary-building – varies with the world that is portrayed
-Real-world geography in some games
-Literary references
-Moral issues explored
-Springboard for family discussion of all kinds – even if you don’t play the games with your kids, sit down with them and watch them play. Talk with them. Hang out with them and have a good time.
I am in my 30's and grew up with an Atari and Original Nintendo and still to this day I am a "Gamer". I am healthy, support myself, work for a billion dollar corporation and have a adequate social life. Long story short...let them have their games. Just stress to them that getting out and getting exercise is important as well.
As far as the fighting over the game console itself...maybe its time for the 14 year old to have his own. That way he can play when he wants and neither of them have to worry about "beating" the other one to it.
Believe me there will be a day where you are going to hardly see them at all...so be glad for the moment they are in the house and not out all over town getting into any trouble.
2007-07-16 13:25:53 · answer #6 · answered by Macho Duck 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
GET RID OF THE VIDEO GAMES AND SPEND SOME FAMILY TIME OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE.
2007-07-16 13:21:46 · answer #7 · answered by ♥SLIM♥ 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
take them outside and let them run around and play or maybe have your husband do it (not saying they are) but maybe they are closer to him since he likes videogames too this way you won't have to feel like the evil parent
2007-07-16 13:08:24 · answer #8 · answered by college gurl 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Make video games an "adults only" thing.
Kids are way too spoiled these days!
2007-07-16 13:13:15 · answer #9 · answered by rainydaysmile 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
By having more cool stuff for them to do. Introduce the 14 yr old to lots of girls.
2007-07-16 13:09:14 · answer #10 · answered by steve d 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋