AIBU to think what the fuck are some parents on and to wish I could raise my kids in a bubble???!
Of course I know I'm being unreasonable but am clearing out my DC (11yrs) room as they want their room to be like their mates with just gaming shit in, and packing up all their old (some not even old) books and toys and stuff and wishing I could keep them under my own influence for longer....
Practically all his friends do is game and go on devices. Literally. Not one of his friendship group of 5-6 kids has a) time restrictions on devices (so are allowed to play as long as they like and right up till bedtime) and b) have content restrictions - are all bar one allowed free access to YouTube, WhatsApp, Snapchat and tiktok.
To make matters worse my son's latest bestie has an older brother and he now has knowledge of a whole dictionary of expressions and words that he shouldn't have at age, and has decided he doesn't want to continue with scooter/skateboard but wants to learn to box. And talking on the school run about how he couldn't wait to get home to game.
He has always been active but I could always get him into reading a book alongside me on the sofa or at bedtime, or play a boardgame, or come to the skatepark (granted wrong time of year for that one so I can still hope) but now especially due to this new mate he just seems to want to be a mindless teen! Not to mention if he goes over his house after school they get taken for fast food for a snack (normally just a treat for us) and can play GTA 5 🙈
Don't get me wrong I'm not giving in to the TV in the room, Snapchat, etc of course but I just wish he still Wanted to have the other stuff!
Parents who've experienced similar - please help me with strategies, even if just coping ones! 🙏