Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You Is My Teen Addicted to Video Games?
Are your kids spending more time glued to screens than engaging with the world around them? Do you find yourself wondering if your child's love for video games is crossing the line into addiction? In this episode, hosts Meredith and Cathy delve into the pressing question: Is my teen addicted to video games? They explore the reasons behind the allure of video games and screens, challenge the notion of demonizing all video games, and discuss how certain games can offer benefits in various aspects of life. They highlight how parents can tell when it becomes problematic and share insights into navigating conversations around potentially addictive gaming or screentime behavior. In the end, it all boils down to finding the right balance for your kids and your family, inviting your kids into inquisitive and caring conversations, and reminding them that gaming and screentime are (and should be) considered a privilege and therefore something that can essentially, be taken away.
Key Points From This Episode:
- [0:01:50] Is your child staring at a screen all day long?
- [0:02:40] We dive into why kids love spending time playing video games or on a screen.
- [0:04:20] Why we wouldn’t want to “demonize” all video games.
- [0:07:20] Positive things that can come from gaming.
- [0:08:45] The importance of building rapport with your child (about the game they’re playing).
- [0:10:00] How you can tell if something is problematic.
- [0:11:25] Strategies for navigating problematic (or addictive) gaming/ use of a device.
- [0:14:00] Why it’s all about finding a balance.
- [0:14:35] Approaching the conversation with inquiry and care (and not shaming).
- [0:16:00] Setting boundaries, even if it isn’t a problem.
- [0:17:00] Recommended boundaries for parents to implement.
- [0:23:30] As you work toward balance, remember to set your kids up for success.
- [0:25:00] Dropping the hammer: consequences that what work and those that perhaps don’t.
- [0:27:45] The difference between a lecture and a conversation with your children.
- [0:29:40] How to avoid pushing kids into becoming shady.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: