AIBU?
To ask about your child's gaming habits? Advice please.
ArsenalsPlayingAtHome · 12/05/2018 09:56
Basically I've let it all slide...I know my DS 12 yrs is spending ridiculous amounts of time playing Fortnight. I acknowledge it's my fault and I'm putting things in place as from this afternoon, as he will never voluntarily come off it ever!
He's in Y8.
Please can I ask how much time you allow your DCs spend on their PS4s/XBox, and their ages. Also if you think you've got the balance right?
Is it a constant battle?
Also, what chores are you chldren of similar (or older/younger) children doing? What else are they doing with their spare time?
Are they only allowed on if all HW & revision & chores are completed?
TBH I am annoyed at myself for allowing it to get so out of hand, and am determined to change.
I won't judge, far from it. I'm expecting and hoping lots of super organised parents to post, who have super regimented boundaries in place, but if there's anyone else out there in my position that would also help.
TIA.
Dragging him off for a walk with dogs soon, but will definitely catch up on all the suggestions on our return.
MarieMorgan · 12/05/2018 19:59
As I mention above its not about hand to eye concentration. It's about playing with a group of your friends where you need to work as a team, solve problems, persevere etc. Lots of workplaces really value those kind of skills. I suspect that parents who doubt the value of gaming don't actually know much about it. As well as playing my ds since the age of 7 has had a youtube channel where he post videos of his games with a voice over that he narrates himself. What I ask myself is what would he be doing with his spare time otherwise. All his friends are online so who would he play with. Maybe he'd end up watching TV which is completely passive compared with gaming and making youtube videos. When the sun is shining they do all come out and start playing football etc. But given the weather we've had for most of this year gaming seems like a good way for them to play together.
MarieMorgan · 12/05/2018 20:13
Lethatdrizzel. I don't think it's limiting at all. It depend what you think is spare time. We do lots of things as a family. He does after school clubs, he plays with his cousins, we have weekends and hols away. But at other times he's in the house while we are doing housework or watching TV or gardening or whatever and that's his relaxation time. So what is he to do if he loves gaming and all his friends are online wanting to play with him?
MrsPreston11 · 12/05/2018 20:19
Really interesting reading and really nice to see a non-judgy MN thread.
I have girls and they’re still a bit young for gaming so I’m not expecting as many issues as perhaps if I had boys in the future.
But my DH and I both gamed quite a bit as kids and my DH plays a few times a week but always once the kids are in a bed and only for an hour or two.
I really like the idea of them never have consoles in their bedrooms. If it’s only on the main TV then it should help prevent quite a few issues.
Faultymain5 · 12/05/2018 20:23
My DS is now 16. He has no self-control. We restricted gaming to the weekends. He'd play all day Saturday and Sunday if we let him.
Last year we took the console away so he could concentrate on exams. He is studying hard so he can sit down and play for six weeks 
alcoholicCHEESEcaKe · 12/05/2018 20:37
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Stinkywink · 12/05/2018 20:39
My 12 year old is allowed unlimited time on it. However it's not all he does. He trains/plays football a few times a week. His homework always has to be done. He visits family and gets dragged out by us at the weekend at some point if he's not out and about with his friends.
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