How glued is your child to the latest computer game you bought for him? Is this obsession with his Gameboy impacting his outdoor playtime?
Every now and again we hear stories of parents giving in to their child's consistent demands for a computer game. While some children play these games once in a while when bored, other children get so hooked on that these games become an obsession and lead them to neglect their studies, friends and other activities.
If you have to drag your child away from his computer games for dinner every night or have to push him out to play with friends, you need to come up with a strategy to get him de-addicted.
If you have to drag your child away from his computer games for dinner every night, or if you have to push him out to play with friends, you need to think about a strategy to get him de-addicted.
Lonely
Computer games can often be played alone. As such, your child will not really care if he meets his friends or not, as he is having too much fun on his own. Many children prefer the company of their computer to that of friends and people in general - including you. Your child will be deprived of the comfort that comes with a social circle.
Violence
Some computer games are very violent in nature. Such an extensive exposure to violence at such a young age is not good for your child under any circumstances. We think twice before taking our children to a movie that shows violence. Why then are we so lax when we see our children cutting off heads of their 'enemies' when playing computer games? Yes, they do understand it is a game, but what makes the difference is the amount of exposure your child has to such violence. If it is a game played once in a while, there shouldn't be an issue. But if it is played everyday, for 4 - 5 hours a day, your child will certainly develop aggressive tendencies.
Avoid buying computer games for your children. Instead, encourage them to play outdoors with their friends, as far as possible.
Board games
Make it a habit to play board games with your children, so your child doesn't turn to the computer or the television when he is bored at home. Many children would love to play a game of chess, scrabble or ludo with you but parents are often otherwise occupied. At least once a week keep some time aside to play with your child.
Read
Encourage your child to read. If your child is into reading, he may prefer spending time with a book when he is by himself at home.
Other parents
Some parents like to be the first to get their children the latest craze in the market. If the latest craze is a new computer game, as far as possible try to be the last, and not the first parent to get it for your child.
Often a child wants a new game because all his friends have one. Speak to his friends' parents and together try to avoid buying computer games.
