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Spouse would like to introduce video gaming to our only child (in kindergarten now). I'm uncomfortable.
I'm wondering, what do we need to do as parents to ensure our child does not become a video game addict?
Besides ensuring our child is only playing age-appropriate content, what do we need to do as parents to ensure that her playing video games now is a not a determiment to her development?
We limit video games to 30 minutes a day and only after all homework & chores are done plus he has played outside for a minimum amount of time. On a school night that's 1 hour. On a weekend or holiday it's more but varies depending on our schedule. I think establishing boundaries is key for smaller children especially. Oh and we limit it to age appropriate games (ie our 6 yo is not playing assassin's creed, for example).
Limit screen time during non-school months, and once in school reward completed homework and good grades with screen time. You can also tie screen time as a reward for doing chores in a timely manner and without complaining.
Limit screen time during non-school months, and once in school reward completed homework and good grades with screen time. You can also tie screen time as a reward for doing chores in a timely manner and without complaining.
I would not use it as a reward. That puts a higher emphasis on it, and the kids will obsess about "getting to the game" by being good. Kids should be good because they should be good.
Just limit the time that is spent on it. Choose the games first, especially at that age. Make sure you understand the game so you know what it does and what your child needs to do and can explain it. A lot of kids that age have started with minecraft because it is a building game, and you can play in a "creative" mode.
I'm wondering, what do we need to do as parents to ensure our child does not become a video game addict?
Does the addict gene run in your family?
My understanding is that they have linked addictive behaviors to genes that are hereditary. So if an adult is an alcoholic, then it is because they have a gene that makes them more susceptible to becoming addicted to things, and that their children are going to be more likely to also suffer from problems with addiction. So I would examine your family tree (both you and the other parent) to see if there is any evidence of addictions running in the family. If there are not, then I would not really worry about it. If there are, then I would probably consult a specialist in addiction about how to move forward.
I would not use it as a reward. That puts a higher emphasis on it, and the kids will obsess about "getting to the game" by being good. Kids should be good because they should be good.
I really dislike teaching this. This results in adults who only work because they should work, and kills their ambition, or ability to ask for a raise when they deserve it, etc. This is what my parents taught me and I have been chronically underpaid my entire career because of it. It takes a lot of effort to ask for what I'm worth now. It also results in adults who feel entitled to things without having to earn them first.
I use everything as a reward. All things have to be earned somehow. Every time my kids ask for something, I ask them "how will you earn it?" It is teaching them appreciation for how much work it takes to get the things you want.
I would not use it as a reward. That puts a higher emphasis on it, and the kids will obsess about "getting to the game" by being good. Kids should be good because they should be good.
Just limit the time that is spent on it. Choose the games first, especially at that age. Make sure you understand the game so you know what it does and what your child needs to do and can explain it. A lot of kids that age have started with minecraft because it is a building game, and you can play in a "creative" mode.
Using game time as a reward worked for us. My kids are good kids, too.
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