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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Can’t bear angry voices/ conflict

4 replies

Anonymouseky · 26/04/2026 09:31

I have two boys (not yet teens). Like a lot of children, they like computer games. I heavily restrict this to only let them play for about 90 minutes on a Saturday. They play more at their dad’s house. The problem is they get really cross when playing their games. They start shouting at their tablets, whining, and on the odd occasion they have thrown their tablet on the floor. On the rare occasion that has happened (thrown it), I have immediately taken it away.

The thing is, I can’t bear the sound of their shouting or whining at the games. It actually stresses me out and I can feel the stress building in my chest. I just don’t like the sound of conflict. Are other people like this? How do people cope with letting their kids on computers every day if their kids do the same? Mine only have 90 minutes on a Saturday and that’s enough for me. I really don’t want to stop them playing altogether but I really dislike to hear the angry voices.

Thinking about it, I’ve always been the same. Didn’t like it when I was a child myself and someone got angry and didn’t like it when ex husband did. AIBU to feel like this?

OP posts:
CocoaTea · 26/04/2026 12:35

I don’t have any solutions as no one in my house games but I would hate this too so I wanted to sympathise.

My dad was very shouty and angry, raised voices really trigger me even now. Throwing consoles about would be awful for me.

The man who lives next door to me games and shouts and swears and I hate it. I play rain sounds or sea sounds via the Calm app.

Could you perhaps talk to your sons in a non gaming moment and tell them how much it upsets you?

Anonymouseky · 26/04/2026 23:27

I’m glad it’s not just me. I seem to be getting more noise sensitive the older I get. I’ve spoken to them about it and they usually make more of an effort to keep a lid on it for a bit after I’ve mentioned it, but the noise levels eventually creep up again.

OP posts:
iguanasfordays · 26/04/2026 23:38

I’m exactly the same! Can’t stand reality tv shows where they are arguing constantly either. I’m not sure where mine came from as I didn’t grow up in a shouty house or anything. Before I let my kids have screen time I say games are meant to be fun, so if it sounds like they’re not having fun I will ask them to come off early, that works most of the time haha

Eenameenadeeka · 27/04/2026 05:55

Tell them if they can't play quietly, they can't play. Then if they shout, take the tablet away.

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