M&M's - Guidelines for Curbing Video Games

Guidelines for Curbing Video Games ...

1. Set an example. Kids learn from their parents.

2. Be prepared to endure a battle of wills, and remember, you will win the battle if you are committed to it.

3. Set guidelines for curbing video game playing, such as allowing a period of play each evening only after schoolwork and household responsibilities are finished.

4. Offer the child options, such as outdoor activities, clubs, and hobby activities.

5. Provide the resources needed for alternate activities. If you want to encourage your child to spend time drawing, have paper and materials there. If the bike has a flat, or the skateboard is broken, your child may think video games is the only entertainment option.

6. Help your child interact with other children in the neighborhood. While most video games have a multiplayer option, other activities such as basketball, soccer, and many other sports make interaction and teamwork key.

7. Pick systems and games that encourage or require standing and moving vs. sitting and moving only your fingers

8. Another option is to let your child earn "credits" towards playing video games for improving grades and doing extra chores.

9. Consider eliminating purchases of more video games to allow the child's interest to die a natural death. People, children especially, tend to get bored with activities that don't change over a long period of time.