Video games take a lot of time, which could be used much more productively. It is also not healthy to spend hours and hours in front of video games. Here's how to direct your kids to more stimulating and interesting activities.
Steps
Step 1. Determine how long you think it is acceptable for your child to watch video games
Establish the maximum time allowed daily or weekly. Some parents limit video games to one hour per day, while others ban them completely during the week, allowing games to be played only on weekends. Many medical and child development experts advise that the time that children spend in front of a television or computer screen should not exceed two hours per day. Keep this in mind to determine time limits and to decide what the total amount of hours is suitable for your child.
Step 2. Evaluate how long your child is watching video games each day and see if this matches the time limit you set
This will help you develop an appropriate course of action for establishing the time devoted to video games. If you have decided that he cannot play for more than an hour a day and your child is currently playing for more than four hours after school, helping him to break this habit will come with a greater challenge.
Step 3. Try to find alternative activities that fit your child's personality and interests
He will be more likely to respond to your encouragement to participate in other activities if you suggest something to do that already interests him.
Step 4. Once he gets back from school, give him a break of 30-60 minutes
This will allow him to relax and release the energy he may have accumulated during the school day. This time frame should be spent playing, but not video games.
Step 5. Your child should complete all the tasks and assignments that have been assigned to them at the end of this break
Only after doing his duty is he allowed to start playing video games.
Step 6. Let him play video games in a room open to the whole family or in a place where you can keep an eye on him while he does
It will be easier for you to enforce the rules and your child will have less trouble following them. Putting a console in his room gives him too much freedom to play when he's not being controlled. Also, the temptation may be too much, especially for a younger child who has a hard time following the rules.
Step 7. Try to involve your child to engage in some activities with you
- Try to spark his interest in having him help you prepare dinner.
- Go for a walk or ride together.
- Play a board or card game.
- Do a puzzle or crossword puzzle together.
Step 8. Encourage your child to get involved in outdoor activities with other neighborhood kids
Bicycling, recreational sports, swimming, or just playing outside are all activities that can distract him from his video game habits.
Step 9. Familiarize yourself with the signs of possible video game addiction
Some kids may actually develop one, which could alienate them from family and friends. It is important for parents to understand what the signs and symptoms are, so that they can recognize them in their child.
One of the signs is if your child tries to secretly play after exceeding the time you have set or if he lies to you to play when he shouldn't
Step 10. Watch him participate in other activities
If he seems disinterested in everything despite your numerous attempts, this is not necessarily due to a video game addiction, maybe he is simply bored. It is important not to jump to conclusions. Usually, kids get distracted very easily and soon forget the previous activity when they start to devote themselves to another.
- A common symptom of addiction occurs when your child no longer shows interest in an activity they previously enjoyed.
- Evaluate his behavior after reaching the maximum allowed limit. Watch to see if he becomes irritable, temperamental, or anxious.
Step 11. Contact your doctor if you notice any acute symptoms or if you suspect that you may have developed an addiction to video games
Step 12. Establish appropriate consequences if your child refuses to stop gambling when they should
Disconnect the joystick from the console and take it out of the room.
- Explain to him that he will lose the privilege of playing for a certain amount of time once such a thing happens.
- Don't give him the joystick back before the punishment is over. You could define a long-term ban if your child continues to miss the time limit you set.
Step 13. Help him figure out how to save the game progress if he complains about having to disconnect when he is in the middle of a game
Younger kids don't know how to navigate the game settings and may need help learning how to save games. By being able to pick up where he left off and knowing his efforts have not been in vain, he will be less likely to rebel once the play session is over.
Advice
- Don't ban video games entirely, unless the situation is desperate. Video games have some positive aspects. Some studies suggest that they can help children develop good coordination between sight and hands. Gamers learn to work as a team and achieve results together with others. This activity also reduces stress and nightmares, and some say it makes little boys become smarter.
- Understand that your child may need time to adjust to the new organization. Children who are used to playing for extended periods of time may find it difficult to limit this hobby. Stick to certain rules and constantly encourage him to help him transition.
- If your child is small, don't buy them video games that are inappropriate for their age, such as Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. They are classified as suitable for ages 17 and up for a very specific reason.
Warnings
- You have to be right. Never say “You will do this because I say so”: it can cause serious fights, especially if your child is already an older child.
- Always explain the reason for a punishment. Giving a reason can allow your child to understand what is going on and accept it (this warning correlates with the previous one).
- Always make sure your child wants to indulge in the alternative activities you offer. Forcing him may cause him to pull away from you and lead to resentment in the future.
