The Five Simple Steps you can take to Break the Cycle of Argument around Screen Time and Improve your Relationship with your Children!

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About Me

Hey there! I’m Adam Holman, LCSW. I’m a Licensed Clinical Therapist and former Video Game Addict. Why did I make this guide? Quite simply, I’ve been there. At age 21, I had been studying Computer Science in college for three years and had not successfully passed a single semester. At the height of my despair, I was spending over 16-hours playing video games to avoid the pain of failing. To make a very long story very short, I started working on my mental health after being kicked out mid-semester and found my path out of the addiction. On my journey, it became obvious to me how I ended up addicted. I felt inspired to help parents support their teenagers in a way that will help them avoid the path that I took. Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of families toward more healthy and balanced video game/technology use.

What is video game/technology addiction?

Video game addiction is a growing concern among parents and healthcare professionals. It can have negative effects on a child's physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as their academic and social development. As a parent, it can be frustrating and worrying to see your child struggling with addiction. However, breaking a child's video game addiction is not an easy task and requires a multifaceted approach. In this article, we will discuss practical strategies for parents to help their child overcome video game addiction and regain control of their life with charisma and understanding.

Identifying the Problem. Is my child addicted to video games/technology?

As a parent, it can be challenging to understand if your child's gaming habits have turned into an addiction. The first step in addressing this is to identify whether or not the gaming is causing problems. Every child is different and may have varying levels of tolerance for gaming time. A general rule of thumb is that if it's causing problems, then it is a problem. Common symptoms include neglecting responsibilities, poor grades, difficulty controlling gaming time, anger when asked to stop playing, and withdrawal symptoms when not gaming. Parents should also monitor the child's physical and emotional well-being, as well as their academic and social progress.

Setting Limits

Regardless of whether or not gaming is a problem, It’s important that parents set clear and consistent limits on the child's gaming time. This can be difficult, as it requires a balance between supporting your child and setting boundaries for their safety, and your child may be unhappy with boundaries being set. It's essential to be clear and consistent with your rules, and to make sure that your child understands the consequences of breaking them. The guide above provides some good steps to help you on your way!

Encouraging Alternative Activities

Another important strategy for breaking a child's video game addiction is to encourage alternative activities. It’s important to realize that video games release a lot of dopamine, and that other activities will likely be pretty boring to your child at first. You don’t have to cut out games completely, and it’s a better idea to introduce other activities along with gaming. These activities can be physical, such as sports, rock climbing, or dance, or mental, such as reading or solving puzzles. As a parent, it's essential to be involved in these activities and to provide support and encouragement.

Seeking Professional Help

If a child's video game addiction is severe, it may be necessary to seek professional help. This guide is useful, but it is not a substitute for professional help. This can include therapy and counseling for both the child and the parents to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction. It's essential to seek help from a professional if your child's addiction is impacting their daily life.

How do I break my child’s game addiction/technology addiction?

As a parent, it can be overwhelming to see your child struggling with addiction. The key to unlocking your child from the addiction is a mix of empathetic boundaries, building a healthier relationship, and promoting balance socially, mentally, and technologically. By mastering these skills, your child will be able to enjoy games while also enjoying other areas of their life. Together, you and your child can overcome this addiction and regain control of their life.