Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
New profile posts
Latest activity
Internet Search
Members
Current visitors
New profile posts
Search profile posts
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
Parent Support Forums
General Parenting
I need help with my 11 year old son
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Marguerite" data-source="post: 343556" data-attributes="member: 1991"><p>We also have allowed a lot more gaming because with both our boys, they use it as a coping strategy. To remove gaming is to remove their safety valve.</p><p></p><p>To outside observers, or boys appear to be game addicts (if it is possible to be addicted to gaming). But if we assume addiction exists, you don't control it for an addict (they have to learn self-control) so imposing your will is not the way to long-term success. You also don't ban it form the house or other such measure. What you need to do is work with them.</p><p></p><p>We did our best to explain game programming to the boys so they could understand that games are designed to lead you into continuing play. Some of the recent, more responsible games will tell you that you've been playing long enough and you need to go and do something physical outside. But in general, games are like soap operas (and you van get addicted to those too, if you can get addicted to games) in that there are multiple plot lines running concurrently, so as one plot line is finishing, another is building to a crisis. That way there is always some reason to keep watching on the edge of your seat. With soapies, the aim is to keep you watching so ratings stay high and they can sell advertising. With computer games, the aim is to keep you playing so you want to buy more games in that series. It always comes down to making money.</p><p></p><p>We found that once our kids understood advertising, we didn't get so much nagging for the product being advertised; the kids don't like being manipulated. And tis has also been the most effective way to not only teach social skills, but to explain how even computer games can manipulate you.</p><p></p><p>Yes, it is better for kids to get outside and get physical. But computer games are not so evil as all that. When I look back to the computer-game-free childhood I had, and I compare it to the technology-rich environment of my kids - I know which I prefer. And it's not the good old days!</p><p></p><p>Marg</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Marguerite, post: 343556, member: 1991"] We also have allowed a lot more gaming because with both our boys, they use it as a coping strategy. To remove gaming is to remove their safety valve. To outside observers, or boys appear to be game addicts (if it is possible to be addicted to gaming). But if we assume addiction exists, you don't control it for an addict (they have to learn self-control) so imposing your will is not the way to long-term success. You also don't ban it form the house or other such measure. What you need to do is work with them. We did our best to explain game programming to the boys so they could understand that games are designed to lead you into continuing play. Some of the recent, more responsible games will tell you that you've been playing long enough and you need to go and do something physical outside. But in general, games are like soap operas (and you van get addicted to those too, if you can get addicted to games) in that there are multiple plot lines running concurrently, so as one plot line is finishing, another is building to a crisis. That way there is always some reason to keep watching on the edge of your seat. With soapies, the aim is to keep you watching so ratings stay high and they can sell advertising. With computer games, the aim is to keep you playing so you want to buy more games in that series. It always comes down to making money. We found that once our kids understood advertising, we didn't get so much nagging for the product being advertised; the kids don't like being manipulated. And tis has also been the most effective way to not only teach social skills, but to explain how even computer games can manipulate you. Yes, it is better for kids to get outside and get physical. But computer games are not so evil as all that. When I look back to the computer-game-free childhood I had, and I compare it to the technology-rich environment of my kids - I know which I prefer. And it's not the good old days! Marg [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Parent Support Forums
General Parenting
I need help with my 11 year old son
Top