Son is obsessed with gaming - is this normal? | DadHQ

Son is obsessed with gaming - is this normal?

1d ago1 min read

My 11 year old wants to play Fortnite literally all day. On school days I limit it to weekends but he's constantly asking, complaining that all his friends can play whenever. I let him have like 3 hours Saturday and Sunday but he acts like that's torture. Trying to figure out if I'm being too strict or if other parents are dealing with this. What age did you guys let them have more freedom with screen time?

6 comments272 views

Comments(6)

JJayNew Dad17h ago

It's normal to be interested but the obsession part is worth paying attention to. My 10 year old is into it too but we've set limits. The key is making sure he's still doing other stuff like sports or time outside. Keep gaming in perspective basically.

DDavid K.New Dad10h ago

Maybe swap it out sometimes? Like if he hits his gaming limit on a weekend afternoon, have something fun lined up instead. Keeps him from resenting the boundary.

KKevin M.New Dad18h ago

11 year olds and Fortnite go together like peanut butter and jelly unfortunately. The thing is, some gaming is totally normal but the all day thing is a red flag. What happens when you tell him he can't play?

NNate H.Regular1d ago

Yeah man, the constant asking is the worst part. I've found setting a specific gaming time actually helps my son stop asking as much - like 'Saturday from 2-4' instead of just weekends. Gives him something concrete to look forward to.

MMike F.Regular1d ago

All his friends are playing it, so that's totally normal for that age. The key is sticking to your limits even when he complains - bedtime negotiations are my cardio at this point, so I feel you.

BBen M.New Dad1d ago

Weekends only is a solid boundary. The real issue is whether he respects that boundary or if there's constant fighting about it. My nephew is around that age and he's the same way. Seems like every kid that age is obsessed with it.