Monitoring Video Game Use Raleigh NC

Is your child playing too many video games? Does your child's obsession with video games seem to be consuming them? If you answered yes to either of these questions than you have some changes that you need to make in your home. If you have used T.V. or video games as a babysitter for your child, then you may find this very difficult. However, if you are reading this article then you are ready to make a change.

1. Talk to your child about the issues you have with the amount of time they spend playing video games. Explain to your child the importance of having a variety of structured activities in their lives. You need to have a one-on-one talk with your child, without distractions, to let them know that their video game playing time has become a problem and that you will be making some changes to their daily routines. You need to be positive about these changes and explain to them that their video game playing time will be replaced with fun activities that they can also enjoy.
2. Create a daily schedule in your home. You need to have a daily routine that is predictable for your child. This should include a snack time after school, time for extracurricular activities, play time, homework time, computer time, dinner time, T.V. time, bath time, reading time and video game time. You should set up a schedule that works for you and that you can stick to. You need to become involved in your child's life and spend quality time with your child. Let your child be a part of setting up this schedule. Ask for your child's input so that he or she has a voice in these changes. This will help you child accept the changes and be motivated to follow the new schedule.
3. Set limits. Children need limits and boundaries to become successful members of society as adults. Give your child a half hour or one hour per day to play video games. This time should be consistent. You should pick a time that is acceptable to both you and your child where they can play video games at the same time every day. I suggest a time after school when homework is finished. You may even want to add a little extra time for video game playing on the weekends.
4. Find other structured activities to engage your child. This can include arts and crafts, journaling, reading, sports, etc. Talk to your child and find something they are interested in and will want to do each day. These activities should replace much of the time they previously spent on video games. Find what activities other kids their age are involved in. Talk to other parents to find activities in your area or be creative and find things they can do at home.

Remember, you are in charge. Don't be afraid to set limits for your child. They may see this change as something very scary and hurtful in the beginning, but they will respect you for this later. The most important thing is that you stick to this plan. The change may be difficult in the beginning but once you have a daily structured routine, your lives will run more efficiently and the video game obsession will be a thing of the past.

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