re: Gaming addiction ...this is a epidemic

quote:

---

People out here dealing with opioid addiction and you can’t take away an Xbox?

---

Right, because every issue a parent has should be compared to the worst possible situation.

Just shut off his Ethernet port or change the wifi. There I did the parenting for you.

quote:

---

Kids don't ride bikes and play outside these days, it's all different than when we grew up...

---

Sounds like this is your personal failure as a parent more than anything else

quote:

---

He would play this fortnite game all the time if we didn't limit.

---

Set limits, then.

quote:

---

But its a struggle to get him to do other things.

---

Take it away, completely, then. His choice in that case - limits you set or not at all.

quote:

---

Kids don't ride bikes and play outside these days

---

I don't think you can dictate the child's recreational activities, but you can encourage more productive pursuits like computer graphics/video editing, music, art, creative writing - there are shite tons of things that can be done for fun on the devices.

Put him on a reading plan - if he reads an hour, writes you a paragraph, allow an hour of the video game. Kids instinctively want boundaries to feel safe. Tell him that these games are fun, but they're designed to be addictive - to operate on the brain the same way drugs do. If he agrees to the limits then he is exercising control over them.

And if he can't agree to those terms, just shut it all down. Again, his choice.

quote:

---

Kids don't ride bikes and play outside these days, it's all different than when we grew up...phones and video games are taking our children down a dark path...particularly the boys.

---

And who's fault is that? The kid that doesn't know better or the parent that lets it happen?

He ain’t wrong. You sound like a loser parent. Your kid doesn’t seem to respect you. Your wife wants you to be more assertive. He pushes back. You don’t know how to handle it. You have to come here and ask how to discipline your kid in order to get him to obey you? And you’re his FATHER!!
Are you Cam on Modern Family?

quote:

---

He would play this fortnite game all the time if we didn't limit.

---

And your job is to limit.

quote:

---

But its a struggle to get him to do other things. He pushes back...and it's hard not to be the nag...

---

That's called being a parent. It's not all fun and games. Part of being a parent is teaching your son about life. Life isn't all about what YOU WANT. Grow some damn balls!

quote:

---

Kids don't ride bikes and play outside these days, it's all different than when we grew up

---

Yes they do. You have to encourage it. Maybe start by spending some time outside with them. My son love gaming also, but he also enjoys being outside. He has a good balance of both.

quote:

---

There is a device that allows you to monitor phones and devices...

I guess I need to purchase one

---

Be sure to start a thread when he finds out you’re invading his privacy. I want to see how that goes down.

why? Do you struggle like the OP with your kids not respecting you?

Hell, I should charge a fee.

quote:

---

Kirk Cameron documentary

---

Gross.


I feel like you've been Left Behind from this current generation.

quote:

---

There is a device that allows you to monitor phones and devices...

---

You're router can do the same things, if you take 5 minutes out of your day to figure it out. It might turn into 30 minutes, if you're really behind the curve.