Is this typical?

[ClaudOfTheRings]

Hi everyone

I have name changed as I need to get into some specifics and don't want to get ID'd.

Before I post on my real concern though... I have a question.

DSS is 10 and I have two children but they are both quite a bit younger so I just want to know how usual this is please...

He is with us for some long periods over the summer holidays and all he wants to do is play Minecraft. He spent the whole morning on it yesterday and today and is having to be cajoled outside by DH. This afternoon, he has been glued to his laptop with headphones on absorbing endless YouTube tutorials about Minecraft after playing it all morning.

DH says he wants him to do whatever makes him happy.

It just seems rather unhealthy and a shame that he's cutting himself off from everyone. He does it at his mum's too. Should I/we be worried or is this typical at this age?

Thanks

[kimlo]

Sounds normal, doesnt mean that you shouldnt kick him off the laptop sometimes and make him do other things though.

[LemonBreeland]

Perfectly normal, but I force mine to experience the real world sometimes too.

[Wholovesfoodprogrammes]

are you talking about my DS (7.5)?????

absolutely normal.

[crossroads15]

The desire to spend hour after hour on Minecraft is by no means abnormal for a 10 year old boy. I don't think allowing it to happen is great parenting though.

[Dansak]

Yep same in our house too, we have to set limits otherwise dsd (12), would just be on it all weekend.

[Savethesm]

The desire to spend all day every day on iPads is normal. Pandering to them and not challenging them to have time away from unsociable time is not

[ClaudOfTheRings]

Thanks everyone

I think DH is being a bit Disney but I shall encourage some more outdoor time.

[lunar1]

Be great full for the headphones, have you heard stampys voice!!

[K888]

Yep normal! I have four kids (DSDs and my DS) who are all completely glued - so much so they would watch it while eating/sleeping... I set limits with my own DS but I admit I don't say a word to the DSDs as I have more important issues to try and tackle with them!

[yellowdaisies]

Same problem here - we find what works best is set hours each day when there is no computers. Much easier than failing trying to police set numbers of hours when it is allowed. Minecraft is great, but very addictive. My DSS sometimes shows withdrawal symptoms if he's been on it too much - he's restless, short tempered and can't focus on anything else. Best to get them off it before a meal time and then try to settle into something else afterwards.

[charlyn]

I could have written this! My dss is nearly 8 and all he wants to do is either play minecraft or watch videos on playing minecraft (that are narrated by a man with a really annoying voice!) At least yours has headphones!