re: Gaming addiction ...this is a epidemic

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I wonder if OP has ever tried to play any video games with his son.

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This is actually probably the best idea I’ve seen. It would be a good indicator too if he is too addicted or not.

If he plays for the enjoyment, and is willing to play with OP, then it could be an experience for both parties. If he’s standoffish or combative about it, he’s probably too addicted.

I played lots of video games growing up, and still do. Does it affect things outside of downtime? Yea, sometimes. But those instances are learning experiences for me to say “shite, I need to get myself together”.

One of the games I play I do a coordinated game with a team almost every week. These are guys from all over North America, with all different jobs (international pilot, consultant, factory worker...). I am the youngest at 28. One of the guys has a kid (who is also 15), who plays with us sometimes, but plays with his dad all the time. He’s a great kid who gets straight A’s and doesn’t get in trouble.

OP, play a game with your son. See what it’s all about.

(no message)

Only one but I also play so I'm not a good case study

Let you kid do what he enjoys. Plenty of gamers are normal people.

Plus, helicopter parents won't let their kids more then 5 feet from them because they think everyone wants to kidnap and frick their kid.

Also, OP has made statements that make me think he didnt have too much a problem with his kid's gaming habits. I think his wife is the one who actually has the problem with it. Then, she started bitching and nagging at OP, which made it his problem. Get your wife under control OP.

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I wonder if OP has ever tried to play any video games with his son.


This is actually probably the best idea I’ve seen. It would be a good indicator too if he is too addicted or not.

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I used to play with my kid... until his playing got to be too much. It hurt him when I told him I wanted to play too, but I couldn'tcontributeto his problem. That did make a difference as well.

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I guess my problem is about being consistent .

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That's what its all about. People crave consistency in all aspects of life. Kids need it even more from their parents.

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I like how you think this is relevant

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Curious why you think it's not. The guy gives pretty strong statement and flippantly worded statement directed toward someone purporting to (assuming it's not a troll, not always a good assumption on here ) struggle with a real problem and trying to figure out a solution that won't potentially alienate his kid.

FTR, I agree with most (actually, probably all) of the sentiments of his statement but what we're dealing with here is a horse out of the barn situation, and an easy one to get into. It can require some delicacy to properly get that guy back in the barn with permanent damage being done.

There is probably a bit of undoing to be done here. Do it wrong and the problem could end up worse. Of course, do nothing and it probably will.

Ultimately, though, this is a bad place to ask for advice.

I'm not disagreeing completely, but the kids in my neighborhood are outside all the time. I know there's a lot of high school kids who do play this game all night 7 days a week.

It doesn't matter if they get mad. Take it away. You're the parent, and have identified the problem. Make a reward system for time played. Straight A's, chores, fitness, time spent with family. It will be tough at first, but in the long run the right idea as they see it's better for them.