For more than 4 years we have had constant tension in our home regarding one of our children and their online gaming.
There is constant rule breaking and disobedience and disrespect.
4 years ago I asked my husband to get and install some program that would only allow this child and all of our children a set amount of time on the computer each day. For many varied reasons this didn’t happen. So the fighting has remained and embedded itself into our pretty much daily routine.
Up until 2 years ago the rule was every child got 45 minutes a day on the computer. After much negotiations it was upped to 60, under the condition that another 60 minutes accompany it of physical activity. If additional physical activity was done additional time would be added accordingly. And no, gym class at school and walking to and from the bus didn’t count.
Still the rule was ignored and broken.
I became a broken record. Every month or two asking and begging for timing software.
Finally, about a month ago, it all came to a head. The appropriate program was acquired and installed and works.
Now, the fights are MUCH less. The exercise is far more and I’m not the bad guy all the time.
I really wish this had happened sooner, but I’m really glad it happened at all.
Now my angry and grumpy child is happier. Gaming changes him. For the worse. He uses the “it’s how I connect with my friends” card. And yet now he Skypes them on his phone….although it is so weird because he often has it on speaker and they are talking about absolutely nothing as they all go about their chores and life at home.
Tonight we invited his best friend to come kayaking with us. Mostly to get our son to come willingly. Now he’s invited his other friend to come too. Whatever it takes to get them outside and off the computer and phone!
Slowly he’s growing up, but quickly he’s becoming a young man I’m very proud of!