Son's addiction to call Call of Duty
Discussion
It's my own fault; I've been a bad parent! We both work full time and the little black box in the corner has been our silent child-minder. At the end of a day's grafting it's the lazy option I'm ashamed of taking 
.
Up until recently most of his gameplaying was a bit of fun that would be readily discarded in favour of a good film or an offer of a trip to the local park.
But then he started playing Call of Duty! And it's sad to see the effect it has had on him.
Not just him though; the thing with this particular game is that all his school friends link up on the internet to play. And boy do they play! Hours on end.
He loves the game with a passion. Whenever the opportunity arises he slinks off to his room for another fix. I became aware just how hooked he is when we were watching a war film, and he named all the weapons they were using, using the slang names and NATO codes.
I know it has to stop, but I'm fair minded enough to also realise that this is entirely of my own doing. You reap what you sow etc.
My question is (paticularly aimed at any parents who have experienced this game): What would be a fair and kind way to break the hold this game seems to have over him? I don't think it's fair to just ban him from playing it, as it's my fault that I've given it the status of an extended member of the family.
. Up until recently most of his gameplaying was a bit of fun that would be readily discarded in favour of a good film or an offer of a trip to the local park.
But then he started playing Call of Duty! And it's sad to see the effect it has had on him.
Not just him though; the thing with this particular game is that all his school friends link up on the internet to play. And boy do they play! Hours on end.
He loves the game with a passion. Whenever the opportunity arises he slinks off to his room for another fix. I became aware just how hooked he is when we were watching a war film, and he named all the weapons they were using, using the slang names and NATO codes.
I know it has to stop, but I'm fair minded enough to also realise that this is entirely of my own doing. You reap what you sow etc.
My question is (paticularly aimed at any parents who have experienced this game): What would be a fair and kind way to break the hold this game seems to have over him? I don't think it's fair to just ban him from playing it, as it's my fault that I've given it the status of an extended member of the family
. Take him paint-balling, involves more guns and that.
Go karting and the like is good too.
In all seriousness, it's easy to get addicted to some activities- the more time one spends on them, the harder it becomes to break those habits...
Try to break his routine/occupy him with other things during the spare time.
Go karting and the like is good too.
In all seriousness, it's easy to get addicted to some activities- the more time one spends on them, the harder it becomes to break those habits...
Try to break his routine/occupy him with other things during the spare time.
Edited by soad on Saturday 22 May 13:31
911motorsport said:
I don't think it's fair to just ban him from playing it, as it's my fault that I've given it the status of an extended member of the family .
Can't really ban him as such - he'll just play it at a mates house...you know how it goes.. Used to spend many (happy) hours playing video games myself - would not stop until fully completed storymode, unlocked achievements and the like. Start feeling dizzy almost at times. Not good...
soad said:
Take him paint-balling, involves more guns and that.
Go karting and the like is good too.
In all seriousness, it's easy to get addicted to some activities- the more time one spends on them, the harder it becomes to break those habits...
Try to break his routine/occupy him with other things during the spare time.
Sounds good avice to me - paint balling, air soft, war museum, RAF museum, tank driving...Go karting and the like is good too.
In all seriousness, it's easy to get addicted to some activities- the more time one spends on them, the harder it becomes to break those habits...
Try to break his routine/occupy him with other things during the spare time.
Edited by soad on Saturday 22 May 13:31
I don't see the problem, I used to play computer games all day and back then there was no Xbox live so no talking to friends while I played.
Just try and get him to take 15 minute breaks every hour or so to reduce the chance of eye-strain and RSI and lay off the sweeties so he doesn't turn into a fatty.
Just try and get him to take 15 minute breaks every hour or so to reduce the chance of eye-strain and RSI and lay off the sweeties so he doesn't turn into a fatty.
Is it affecting his homework (missing deadlines, doing worse in exams?) or his health (turning into a lardy kid?)? If so, then only let him play after exercise/homework/revision. If not, carry on. Don't see the problem if it isn't affecting him. If you go to playfight with him and he starts dolphin diving and bunnyhopping, then it's time to deal with things.
He can join the PH Clan wars if he likes http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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