Gaming time for your child

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Gaming time for your child

I was about my son's age when we got the Atari. I remember some long gaming sessions on it. I never had a limit, but I also did other things too. I appreciate the dialog from everyone, I just hope he doesn't piss his mom of too much and blow the gaming for all of us (me).:wink:

Maybe where I am getting hung up the most on all of this is that I am a teacher, my wife is our office manager at our school, and we constantly hear the evils of video games from fellow educators. I keep my lips zipped, don't want to give myself away. I think games develop the problem solving ability and I know where he is. Maybe I should just say what the heck and let him be happy...still a tough one.

[Lordcledus]

Re: Gaming time for your child

You keep bringing up the fact that you are a coach, and he isn't doing athletic things like YOU want him to do. If he isn't interested in sports activities, let him be. Your dreams don't automatically make them his. He has to have his own likes and dislikes, to develop his character and personality. The way you wrote about his gaming habits, make it seem like it's only bothering you because he isn't spending his time doing what you wish he was. Would you feel any different if he participated in athletics and still gamed the same amount?

[3rdAnswer]

Re: Gaming time for your child

I dont have any kids are anything like that, but I have a younger brother who is still this way with video games. I went through a similar stage where all I wanted to do was play video games. I played sports and all that stuff, but I was more worried about beating you in Street Fighter or Tekken.

My brother has not an athletic bone in his body, but he is extremely intelligent and enjoys music. Maybe your son will begin to love something else as much as he loves video games. You have to let him find out what else he is passionate about it.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Gaming time for your child

You keep bringing up the fact that you are a coach, and he isn't doing athletic things like YOU want him to do. If he isn't interested in sports activities, let him be. Your dreams don't automatically make them his. He has to have his own likes and dislikes, to develop his character and personality. The way you wrote about his gaming habits, make it seem like it's only bothering you because he isn't spending his time doing what you wish he was. Would you feel any different if he participated in athletics and still gamed the same amount?

As painful as that was to hear, I know you are right. Thanks for the honesty, I needed that.

I dont have any kids are anything like that, but I have a younger brother who is still this way with video games. I went through a similar stage where all I wanted to do was play video games. I played sports and all that stuff, but I was more worried about beating you in Street Fighter or Tekken.

My brother has not an athletic bone in his body, but he is extremely intelligent and enjoys music. Maybe your son will begin to love something else as much as he loves video games. You have to let him find out what else he is passionate about it.

Thanks. He is such a curious child, I believe you are right, he will find other passions.

Like I said before, you get one shot, on the fly, at being a parent. You want to do your best, but you won't know how you did until it's over.

Thanks everyone. Great honesty and insights. Great ideas to run with.