How to Deal with Your Child's Video Game Addiction

Are you losing your mind while your child loses theirs staring into the TV screen for hours on end? Game consoles have been steadily gaining popularity with younger and younger kids over the years. There are games for everyone and about everything to make sure they aren't leaving any child behind. What can you do about your child's video game addiction and to get them to turn the idiot box off?

The number one thing you can and need to do starting right now is to set a time limit. Let them still play their video games but make them cut down. Time limits will help them to learn self control and bring back some awareness of what's going on around them. Wondering how it will make them more aware? If your child has to wait for permission to play their beloved video game all ears are on you.

Let your child know that breaking the time limit will result in either losing it or a shorter time limit playing their video game. What you feel is appropriate is up to you. So once again all ears are on you when you let them know time is up. They aren't going to want to give up their time. However, remember that they are playing a game and they might need a minute to make it to save point if it's a game that you can't save at will. Check the game they are playing to verify that they are telling you the truth.

Another rout to go that incorporates the time limits and rules is having to earn their video game time. You had to work hard long hours to be able to pay for their game console so why not have them earn time with it. If you make them work for it they will appreciate it more.

Household chores can all be given point worth. If your child has behavior issues dock points. Reward good behavior. You can even find things for them to do so they can earn bonus points. Figure out a point system that will work for you and way to display it for both of you to keep track.

Video game minutes should not be allowed to roll over into the next game session. They get used that day or not at all. Letting the minutes stack are going to allow your child to be planted in front of the TV all day again. Don't think they won't do it because they will.

Dealing with your child's video game addiction shouldn't be stressful for you. It might not be easy at the start but be consistent and you will have less resistance as time goes on. Before you know it, your once video game addicted child will be back outside playing or maybe even picking up a book instead of a game controller.