So, I had let DS start playing video games when he was really little, and he's been addicted for years. I realize this was a huge mistake on part, but it is what it is. He doesn't really ever watch TV, but he would shower win a controller in his hand if I let him. He spent most of the summer glued to the Xbox, Wii or 3DS. I couldn't get him to do much of anything else, so I decided that once school started, he would be limited to 1 hour of video games a day. He balked, argued, and pleaded with me to let him play all day when school was over, but I stood my ground. The first 2-3 days this week, he sulked around and complained about how bored he was. I just handed him a book and told him he could read, or draw or play with his toys. By Thursday, he was reading a lot on his free time, and he even admitted to me that he is enjoying it! Since then, he's been doing a lot more educational activities on the computer, reading, and today, he even asked to go play outside! I know, that may seem normal for most kids, but he has never been much for going outside to play. I also noticed that he seems to be able to focus better in school, which has always been a huge problem. I just wanted to share how happy I am with the results of just one week of limited video games.
So know what you mean!!!! We're back to school screentime restrictions - all schoolwork done before a half hour of computer/wii/DS/iTouch time is allowed. And no TV until after dinner! I love how quiet the house is!!!
Glad to hear u got a handle on it!! These games are just extremely attractive. My ds8 is not addicted to video games, but he is the type of boy who DEFINITELY would be if we didnt control it! He says things like "I wish we could live at Grandma's house, because I get to play whenever I want over there" (with his cousins)...
Krista, we have the same rules. No tv till evening, and school must be done. Same for all electronics. Simply answering "That's the rule" almost eliminates complaining and begging. Love it!
I understand the addiction to tv/video games. I'm addicted to tv myself, though it's sad to admit it at my age. We watched way too much tv this summer and the boys played way too much on the Wii. Now that school has started, the tv does not get turned on until late afternoon once all work is done. Actually, right now our tv doesn't get turned on at all since we have a rear projection tv that needs a new lamp. It's really too dark to see anything at this point. We have to watch Netflix on the computer or iPad which isn't the most comfortable. That's one way to kick a habit, eh? I'm so happy for you and your son that he is branching out into new interests with all of his free time. You have made a great decision in this new rule.
My ds is very much addicted/attracted to video games. I only let him play the ones rated "E", but even those get to be too much. One thing I don't think is too cool: our library has video games to check out right at the front door. As soon as we step in my ds thinks of nothing more but the games. He will not read a book, does not want to check out any books, is not interested in books either. I kind of want to blame the library a little bit for having them there and causing this distraction in such a place of learning.
I'm a terrible Warcraft addict. My kids like to stand around and watch me play. We have a strict 1/2 hour limit for TV and computer per kid, but they know it doesn't happen til 4...and I told them last night that on Monday, they wouldn't be able to do it til their rooms were clean. At the moment, their rooms are disaster zones, so I figure I'll give them a few days to pick it up. But my oldest spend their TV time watching their siblings play on the computer /facepalm
