My Boy gets too frustrated with video games, help?

Question

when my son loses he almost screams and wants to break the video game... is this healthy? should i take it away from him or tell him to keep trying? He's 5 and they're games like mario bros 3 and sonic the hedgehog.

Answer 1

TURN THE GD THING OFF AND TELL HIM TO GO OUTSIDE OR READ A BOOK

GOD, GET A SPINE WILL YOU!! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN HE IS 16?????????

Answer 2

I have the same problem with my son, and he's 7 now.  Its gotten slightly less as he gets older, but still is a problem at times.  I think they get so frustrated and don't know how to deal with their emotions.

I would take my son's Nintendo DS away from him when he started to freak out.  He would of course then go ballistic usually, and I'd send him to his room until he calmed down.  

Once he did and apologized, I explained to him that its ok to feel angry and frustrated - but its not ok to act out like he did.

And that these games are supposed to be fun, and if they are getting too frustrating, then its time to take a break.

I also try when I see him starting to get frustrated, give him a warning - that if it continues, he has to take a break.

Answer 3

I have the exact same problem, but my son is 10! He doesn't scream, but he gets super frustrated and starts crying if he loses a game. My hubby and I tell him that it's just a game, and there is nothing to be upset about, and that he did the best he can. We also try to limit his video game time, and when we see that it is starting to happen, we have him shut the game off and take a break until he can calm down. It usually works, but if you hear of anything else, please let me know! Good luck!

Answer 4

My nephew is like that and he's 7.  I can't stand it.  No, it's not healthy at all.  It's learning to be a poor sport.  I talked to my sister about it and she said she might have contributed to it because she has always let him win at every game they play.  Kids need to learn that it's not just about winning.  It's about having fun.  They are not going to succeed at everything they try, so they need to learn how to deal with disappointment.  If it were me, I would, at the very least, have him take a break until he calms down.

Answer 5

my little bros exactly the same, what i find helps is to sit next to him and encourage him through the game and to remind him when he looses that he can always try again and that he's getting really good at it, with this technique I've managed to calm him down enough to finish tony hawks on easy and he's just turned 7.

Answer 6

He needs to find ways to control his temper.

You have to set the example for him. Many times mom's are very sensitive and emotional and at times may not handle pressure very well. The dad must set the example for their son's that working out problems... real men need to have self control and discipline. Teach him good sportsmanship, How to win with respect for the looser and loose gracefully.

Answer 7

Whenever my kids get too worked up over losing at video games (or any games), I'll first tell them that they need to take a break from the game.  The game is supposed to be fun.  It is a game.  

We'll talk about what got them frustrated, whether they enjoyed feeling & acting like that, how they think they can deal with it differently in the future, etc.

Then, when they think that they're ready to play again, I let them give it a try.

Answer 8

Unplug the machine and tell him to go play something else until he's calmed down.  Video games are very hard for a 5 y.o. and I'm not surprised he's frustrated, they're geared towards older kids.  Find a more age appropriate activity for him that he can excel at (t-ball, swimming lessons, whatever) if you want him to build self-esteem.