How to keep my kids away from video games!?

Question

We are strong parents and we will put down the rules that there won't be video games in our house, ever. But I'm worried that they're going to get serious peer pressure at school and from friends eventually. My 9 y/o is already cut off from playing all day with several of the neighborhood kids because they always end up over at one of their houses sitting in the basement all afternoon playing video games and the parents think its just fine.

I guess I'm actually asking for advise on how to convince them that we are doing the right thing so it doesn't turn into a battle someday (and they won't win).

Answer 1

I understand where you're coming from.  But, I do have to say that your expectations are somewhat unrealistic.  The more you tell your children they will NEVER have video games in the house, the more likely they are to rebel and try to sneak them in while playing with friends.  That's fine that you don't want them in your own house, but you might need to let down the barrier a little and let them play video games sometimes with friends.  Playing them every now and then won't do your children any harm...and when they're at home, THEN you can encourage them to do other things, like read or play outside.  But to tell them they can NEVER do something, only encourages them to try and do it behind your back.

Answer 2

It's a great start that you don't have a game system at home.  And while my kids are too young I am hoping to make a similar commitment as well.  The games just aren't like Pong and Donkey Kong these day...

But as for playing games at others homes, I'm not sure you have *that* much control unless you're never going to let them visit friends- ever.  And it's really not that bad, is it.  He gets to play games for a couple hours to get it out of his system and then he comes home.  Depends also what kind of games they are playing.  Guitar Hero is really popular and no harm done, Grand Theft Auto is a different story.

My advice is keep the lines of communication open.  Don't make this an all or nothing issue because sooner or later it *will* backfire on you.  Ask what they are playing and what he likes about that game.  Keep involved.  Ultimately what happens in your own home the other 99% of the time is more valuable than the 3 hours he spends at his friends home.

Answer 3

OMG!!!  I hate video games.  That's all children do nowadays.  When I was that age I was outside riding my bike, running around and being active.  My sister-in-law lets her boys play video games until 3:00am and it drives me nuts!!!  They are 10, 6 & 4 and all they talk about is shooting people and weapons!!  Keep them away.  Show them better ways to occupy their time.  Good luck!

Answer 4

Personally I think by never allowing it you make it seem even more desirable to them. How about in small doses and only appropriate material? These systems are fun. I grew up playing atari and loved it. It's all about setting limits so they aren't just doing that all the time.

I have 4 boys and we have an Xbox360 and they are limited to how much and what they can play.

Answer 5

It will turn into a battle and there is nothing you can do to convince them that you are doing the right thing.  Just stick by your convictions.  They are the children, you are the parent.  You will make many correct decisions that they do not agree with.

Answer 6

Well, I don't think you are doing the right thing at all.  We should teach our kids that a little bit is okay.  I had a friend that was NEVER allowed to watch TV, so when she came to my house, that's all she would do.  Now, she is into drugs and s*x.  The family is Christian, wonderful people, but she rebelled.  If one is too hard on children, of course this is going to happen!  If I were you, I would let them have an hour a day, and that is all, because when they get into high school, you better be ready.

Answer 7

I don't think video games are such a bad thing if enjoyed in moderation.  

Anytime you rule with an iron fist and ridiculously think that you will supremely control all your child does...you risk being  like a fool.

You can be "strong parents" AND compromise...you totally ban them from games and you'll likely end up with a 40 year old gamer sitting in his own basement eating cheesy poofs and beating his own high score.

I think that certain games should be banned.  Alot of them are disgusting...but wouldn't you rather have it going on at your house where you can monitor it than to "ban" it and have your kid at anyone elses house playing totally unsupervised???

I think that time to play should ABSOLUTELY be limited...but thinking that you're going to stop them cold from ever playing games on the computer or gaming system in this day and age....you're ridiculous...either that or you better pack it up and move to Amish Country.

You obviously have a computer...and you clearly indulge in your own digital entertainment....you have grasped today's technology...you think you're going to keep your kids from it?

Gaming when enjoyed in moderation boosts deductive reasoning skills, hand/eye coordination, and problem solving.

Banning them completely is hypocritical and foolish.

If you can't beat them (and you won't)...make it easier to monitor it.  It's video games we're talking about here...not p**n with a side of crack cocaine.  FCOL.

Good Luck.

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If you are a little more open minded about this issue...you can better arm yourself on how to censor games.  As another poster here mentioned...GTA is a horrible horrible game...but there are TONS of games out there that are just good clean fun.  And with the new Wii incorporating physical activity into some of the games...what better way to get the kids moving on rainy days AND keep the kids happy??

Answer 8

Well i see pro's and cons....kids love video games, adults love video games (i'm addicted for sure) and your are right, there will be peer pressure for your kids to want to play video games....as a child of a parent who was overly strict, let me tell you that there are two outcomes: your kids will grow up to dislike you and will do it eventually anyway. Or they will grow up and realize WHY you didnt want them to play video games and will understand. Maybe you can let them play video games but only IF they do certain other things around the house or only if they play outside on certain days of the week...like they can play games tuesdays and thursdays and then play outside mondays, wednesdays, fridays......i dont know but they are kids, video games are hot, there are kid friendly games out there.....You are asking how to convince them that you know best but you remember what being a kid was like so keep that in mind...In a way i applaud you for being an active parent, a parent who doesn't just sit their kids in front of the tv all day, but on the other hand kids only know how to be kids and they want to have fun....do you have other recreational ideas set up for them other than video games?