What are your tips for parents struggling to set boundaries for their kids who want to spend all their time gaming?
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Setting boundaries is an important way to help your child spend less time gaming, but we know it’s easier said than done.
Here are some of our top tips for enforcing those “no gaming” times:
- Create morning and nighttime routines. It’s not always possible to oversee exactly how much your child is online gaming throughout the day, but you can play a part in helping them start off and end their days with positive habits. Help them write out their routines so that they can better manage their time. Set times when gaming systems need to be turned off or put away and consider removing the devices from your child or teen’s bedroom so they’re not on them right before they go to sleep or when they first wake up.
- Encourage their IRL hobbies or activities. Encourage your child or teen to find a class, club, or activity that interests them. Make time to get outside as a family by planning a picnic, a hike, or a trip to the beach, and plan “no screen time” experiences as much as possible.
- Be a role model. We know this one can be hard when you’re trying to stay on top of deadlines and stay connected in your own relationships, but telling your child or teen to stop gaming while you’re scrolling on your phone isn’t likely to be effective. Our children learn A LOT just from watching us, so try your best to set limits for yourself and be honest with them about how you struggle with tech sometimes too.
You can read more in the article, Family guide to video games.
Other questions
How do I know if my kid is addicted to gaming?
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Many video games are designed to keep kids engaged by creating rewarding experiences that cause the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of pleasure.
My 8-year old wants to play Fortnite. Is it safe?
Only you can determine what is appropriate for your family. Many parents refer to The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings when making these types of decisions. The ESRB has given Fortnite a T (Teenagers) rating with a Content Descriptor for Violence and Interactive Elements.
How can I decide if an online game is safe for my child?
There are many questions you can ask yourself to determine if a game is safe for your child. Here are a few that our friends at Kidas recommend.
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