Should you let your kid play mobile games? If so, how much is too much?
Despite what we think, a kid's life is not easy. They have way more stuff going on in their life than their brains can process. Even if we think they have it easy, we need to cut them some slack and give them the benefit of the doubt.
It's okay to play some games. An hour or two in a day is good. But, please don't allow your kid to spend more than that on Mobile games.
I love mobile games. They help me unwind after a long hard day. Here are two of my favourite games.
1. Pirates And Treasures
Link: https://www.solitaire.org/pirates-and-treasures/
2. Plushy Animals
Link: https://www.solitaire.org/plushy-animals/
These are fairly simple and easy to play. I don't have to think much about the rules which makes playing so much fun.
Games that stimulate critical thinking can help a child's mind stimulate.
But, excess gaming can
Disrupt sleep Can cause social anxiety if your kid spends most of their time on the mobile. Cause additive tendencies Can make your kid more impulsive Lead your kid to ignore their diet and become overweight Make them get used to a sedentary lifestyle Weaken eyesight Overspend your money on game credits
If you observe any of these things happening with your kid, you need to take charge. Act immediately to help your child quit gaming.
These signs indicate that the games are severely impacting the quality of their life. They need to stop now before It's too late.
Here's what to do if you feel that your kid is addicted to games
If you observe these signs in your kid, it's time to act fast.
But, please be careful. Don't panic unnecessarily.
1. Gently encourage them to try other things
I know it's easier said than done. But, this is your best shot. Don't tell them there's a problem, especially if your kid is young. They won't understand anyway and will panic unnecessarily. This can scare you as well.
Instead, politely ask them to help you buy groceries or call a friend.
2. Plan a party
I know it sounds weird. But, we do need your kid to relax as much as possible. Planning a party with some close friends is the best way for kids to spend their time.
This will make it so much easier to quit games.
3. Dance With Them
Again, kids don't understand what you're doing and why you're doing. As a parent, I understand you want to protect them. But, lecturing them about game addiction will not help them.
First of all, they might not even understand what you are talking about. If they do, they will likely ignore you.
Your best bet is to try to make things outside their mobile more interesting. Whatever their hobby is - whether that's dancing, singing or playing football - you need to encourage them to do it more and more.
This will keep them distracted from their video games. You don't need to force them to quit. But, you need to keep pushing them to try things outside their mobiles.
It's going to take a while. And, they are not going to love it. But, if you try hard to help your kid, nothing is impossible. You don't need to worry about making them quit right away.
I assure you that it will not happen. They need some time and that's okay. Please be patient with your kid.
Trust that they will come out of this bad patch soon. Things will improve and their lives will become much more interesting.