4 Ways to Stop Your Child from Playing Video Games

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4 Ways to Stop Your Child from Playing Video Games
4 Ways to Stop Your Child from Playing Video Games

Video: 4 Ways to Stop Your Child from Playing Video Games

Video: 4 Ways to Stop Your Child from Playing Video Games
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Children love video games. As much as games can teach motor skills and be educational, it is normal for little ones to exaggerate and spend too many hours with the controller in hand. You don't have to cut your kids' gambling completely, but setting limits and encouraging them to find other activities can be very healthy. Come on?

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Defining Clear Boundaries

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 1
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 1

Step 1. Create specific rules

Having well-defined rules is important for a child's behavioral transformation. By letting the little one know exactly what you want, it's easier to avoid problems. Sit down with your child to define with him the rules and punishments for disobedience.

  • Don't say, "You can only play a few hours a day, and never too late." This is a very vague rule, which can be explored by your child. A better option is: "During the week, you can only play for one hour a day. You cannot play after 8 pm."
  • Expect negative reactions as they are natural. It is very likely that your child will tantrum, get angry, cry and even threaten you. Stay calm and ignore these behaviors if possible. Reinforce the consequences for breaking the rules.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 2
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 2

Step 2. Be very clear about the consequences

Children need to know very well what will happen if they break the rules, so when it comes to setting the times for the video game, make sure it understands everything. Nothing to be vague as this will only cause more confusion.

For example: "If you don't have a tantrum or rudeness when you turn off the game, and if you don't play after 8 pm, you can play for an hour a day during the week. you won't be able to play the next day."

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 3
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 3

Step 3. Be firm and keep your promises

Now that you've defined rules and consequences, it's important to do what you say. If you let the little one get away with breaking the rules, you won't be taken seriously and he won't obey you anymore. It is necessary to be firm.

  • Be consistent with the consequences. It's tempting to open up if the little one is nice or exaggerate the punishments if he's rude, but the punishments must be consistent. No changing them depending on the moment or your good mood.
  • Remember that games are not necessary for your child's health and well-being. They can be removed from it without any problems. Many parents forget this.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 4
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 4

Step 4. Use a stopwatch

Counting the amount of time your little one spends in the video game, giving warnings about how much time is left, can help your child prepare better. Children resist change, even if they are telegraphed. To help with the transition, speak when the little one's time is up.

  • Let him know when there are 15 minutes to go. Notify him again when there are 10 minutes left.
  • Set the timer for five minutes before the end. When the alarm sounds, say, "You have five minutes. Now it's time to go save your game."
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 5
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 5

Step 5. Ask him to finish homework and other responsibilities before playing

Your child should do everything he or she has to do before going to the video game. When he's done everything, he can play for the amount of time you set.

  • Help your child see games as a reward for doing homework and household chores.
  • Know that there will be some resistance at first.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 6
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 6

Step 6. Place the video game in a shared room

A good way to set limits and monitor your child is to put the video game in the living room, not the bedroom. This will make it easier to put the rules into practice.

Placing the video game in your child's room gives the little one a lot of freedom and may be tempted to bend the rules when unsupervised

Method 2 of 4: Helping the Transition

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 7
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 7

Step 1. Work together some techniques to stop gambling

Involve your child in the process of limiting excessive gambling. Talk about not playing games that are too exciting or too long during the week, or create a reward system for when he is obedient.

  • For example, talk to him about not trying to pass a stage when you don't have time. He might, for example, let that tough boss pass over the weekend.
  • Sit down and think of some rewards for not breaking the rules for a week, a month, or longer. Don't reward the little one with more time to play: think of other rewards.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 8
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 8

Step 2. Gradually reduce video game time

Instead of cutting your child's games from scratch, make a smoother reduction. For example, if he comes home and goes straight to games, limit him to an hour or two. Explain your reasons, but let him know that you respect his activity and his willingness to continue playing.

  • For example, you might say, "You get angry and tantrum when I ask you to stop playing. Your grades have dropped from playing. That's unacceptable. I want you to play, but we're going to have to put a limit on things."
  • Cutting the games at once will likely have the opposite effect. The idea is to limit harmful behavior, not take away something your child likes.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 9
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 9

Step 3. Set up a transition routine

Quitting playing is difficult, and your child may not be able to do it all of a sudden. Help him by creating a physical activity that marks the end of the game by helping him out of "video game mode".

  • For example, you might try a specific language that signals the switch: "You're being called to the real world! Welcome back!"
  • Define a physical marker. Give your child a glass of water or stretch with him.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 10
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 10

Step 4. Create family time

Take your child out of the video game by spending time with him as a family. This period must not be optional, and all family members must participate.

  • Let your child choose the activity from time to time so that he feels he has a choice. Forcing him to do what he doesn't want to can be frustrating.
  • You can ask him to help you prepare dinner and make it a ritual.
  • Go for a walk, play board games or watch movies.
  • Set some consequences for when he doesn't want to participate. For example, if he misses family activity, he will be without a video game for the day.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 11
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 11

Step 5. Help your child learn to save progress

Many young children don't understand how to navigate game options and may need help saving their progress. When saving the game, the little one's efforts will not be lost, as he will be able to continue where he left off, and it will be easier to turn off the video game.

  • Explain that many games take tens or hundreds of hours to complete, and you can't finish them all at once. Help him understand that the idea is to play slowly.
  • Turn this into a learning activity in which he tells you about the game and explains what he did during the game.
  • When it's time to shut down, wait for him to reach a save point, and help him if necessary. If your child tries to increase playtime by scrolling to save, subtract the excess time the next day. If he continues this way, withdraw the privilege from the game for breaking the rules.

Method 3 of 4: Stimulating Other Interests

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 12
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 12

Step 1. Encourage your child to find other activities

Video games are just one form of fun for children. There are many things the little one can do, especially if he can't play, so help him find new activities.

  • For example, he can play with toys, put together plays, make videos, read, play in the park, play board games, and do creative activities like writing or drawing.
  • Don't be afraid to say no when he wants to play just "because you don't have anything else to do".
  • Don't rely on video games to "take care" of your child. It's very easy to get into the habit of letting him play when you don't have time to keep an eye on him.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 13
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 13

Step 2. Involve the little one in social activities

Playing is often a solitary activity, so encourage your child to participate in group activities. Sit down and think of some options together and let him choose what to do.

  • There are usually group activities for children at religious institutions, clubs and community centers.
  • Try enrolling your child in arts programs such as drama, music, painting and drawing.
  • Recreational sports can be fun, but you should never force your child to participate in something they don't want to.
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 14
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 14

Step 3. Encourage your child to engage in physical activity

Excessive video games are often associated with conditions such as childhood obesity, as it is a sedentary activity. To make your little one more active, encourage him to choose a physical activity that looks fun and encourage him to experiment with different options.

Your child may enjoy cycling or skating, dancing, practicing martial arts, swimming, etc

Method 4 of 4: Analyzing Your Child's Situation

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 15
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 15

Step 1. Find out what time is acceptable for games

Each person has a different opinion as to the acceptable video game limits per week, so evaluate which case you are. Some parents limit their children to an hour a day, while others prohibit games during the week, only allowing for a few hours on weekends.

Health professionals and child development specialists recommend that little ones spend no more than two hours a day in front of televisions and computers. Take this into account when setting game limits for your child

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 16
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 16

Step 2. Know the signs of addiction

Some children even become addicted to games, showing behavioral, emotional and physical symptoms, including distancing from family and friends. It is important for parents to know the signs so that they can recognize them and help their children.

For example, your child may never want to stop playing games, get angry when they are away from the video game, or have no interest in anything else. In these cases, it is also common to have negligence of personal hygiene, sleep problems and back and wrist pain

Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 17
Get Your Child to Stop Playing Video Games Step 17

Step 3. See a doctor if you notice a problem

If you believe your child is addicted to games and you've tried your best to limit their obsessive behavior, you may want to seek professional help. A pediatrician or mental health professional can help you make a positive change in your child's life.

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