child hooked on computer games! advice please...
By nina0220
@nina0220 (73)
Philippines
August 1, 2008 11:53pm CST
During weekends, my son is always looking forward to playing games in the internet and watching his favorite shows on t.v. Since there are household chores to be done, I let him do his thing. But then again, we do still have a lot of time to spend together as a family and he chooses the computer and t.v. instead. Though we often visit the mall and do grocery shopping, still his mind is in his computer games. What are other activities that you can suggest to encourage him to spend time with us? He is only 8 years old and i think we are missing a part of him by spending too much time in the computer.
6 responses
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
2 Aug 08
That really comes with the age. Today we took my son to Chuckie Cheese and to run a few errands. He had a blast, talked with a ton of kids, and made friends. After being home fore awhile though , he is on his PC playing games. As long as their is a healthy balance, playing video games is okay. Now if you kid isn't social at all, rarely plays outside and has no friends, then I would worry.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
2 Aug 08
Because kids need to socialize with other kids. Odds are if he isn't, something is wrong - he is being bullied, has communication problems or has other issues. Some kids may be okay, but it isn't good to just lock yourself in a room and do nothing but play computer games or read or whatever.
@NuclearRabbit (650)
• United States
2 Aug 08
I used to hang out reading in my room all day when I was a kid. Some people just don't enjoy social activities. There's nothing wrong with that. However, if someone that is social starts withdrawing, then it's time to worry. Any dramatic changes in someones personality is cause for concern.
@NuclearRabbit (650)
• United States
2 Aug 08
Is he a social person when he's not playing computer games?
@NuclearRabbit (650)
• United States
2 Aug 08
You already said that you structure his time which is a good thing. I was going to suggest it. Be consistant with it and remind him 15 min. before he needs to get off the computer to find a save point.
Make a weeknight family-fun night, watch movies, play games, go to a park or a bowling alley. Invite one of his friends over to spend the night and have his friend join in family-fun night. Make hanging out with the family a natural choice.
Just don't push hime to much to join in because it would be counterproductive and it wouldn't be worth the power struggle.
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
2 Aug 08
A close friend of mine had this problem with her son. From 1 hour a day it went on to become 6-7 hours a day. It reached a stage where he was caught up in a shell, would not socialise or go out anywhere and reached a point of depression requiring professional help. It's alright in moderation, however outdoor activity and spending time with family and friends is a must.
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
2 Aug 08
I think you need to attempt to regulate his time on the computer-my son likes computer, but I know the good and bad sides of computers-I have always timed him whenver I allow him on the computer-this has sort helped him not to get hooked
@dropofrain (1167)
• India
2 Aug 08
I think you should encourage him to make friends. This will help him play outdoor games with them. Once he starts playing outdoor games he will be busy and too tired to play video games. Since he is only 8 years old, it will help him in his growth also. I think this could be the best solution for him.
@lzq333999 (7)
• China
2 Aug 08
i think one love success,the computer play can give feeling of success.can you give you son the feeling in live.
