Son obsessed with Roblox, need real talk

Dec 31 min read

My 10yo literally just wants to play Roblox all day. He's not social about it—just grinding on whatever game. I've tried to set limits but he gets absolutely furious. I'm worried he's using it to escape something but when I ask he just says he enjoys it. Is this normal 10yo behavior or should I be concerned? His grades are fine and he still does sports but this is the only thing he wants to do in free time. Anyone else dealing with this?

10 comments86 views

Comments(10)

CCharlie A.New DadDec 3

Have you tried negotiating with him on WHEN the limits happen instead of just cutting him off? Like "you can play 6-7pm but not right before dinner" might give him a sense of control.

DDom F.RegularDec 3

My son did this exact thing. Turned out he was using it to decompress from school stress. Once we figured that out we built in time for it instead of fighting it. Still has limits but he doesn't rage as hard.

NNate H.RegularDec 3

10yo going furious when you set limits is tough. But that reaction is also data—usually means he's using it to regulate something. Worth exploring that without the screen in the middle

LLarry P.RegularDec 4

Escaping how? Like from you, from school stress, from other kids? That might matter for how you handle it. If he's just bored, that's different than if he's anxious

RRuben A.New DadDec 4

The furious reaction to limits is actually a sign you might want to talk to someone (therapist, not reddit lol). Not saying it's bad parenting—I'm saying your gut is probably right that something else is going on

SShane K.New DadDec 4

10yo getting absolutely furious over limits is pretty normal wiring but yeah the avoidance angle is real. What happens if you sit with him while he plays for like 20 mins? Does he explain what he's actually doing?

MMike R.New DadDec 4

The fury at limits is textbook dopamine issue. Not saying your kid has a problem, but that reaction to boundary-setting is worth taking seriously. What does he do when the timer runs out?

SSteve Q.RegularDec 5

The "just grinding" part is worth paying attention to. That's different than multiplayer where at least he's interacting. Have you asked him what he's actually trying to accomplish in the game?

GGreg M.RegularDec 5

lol the Roblox grind is real. My son is the same age and same thing. I started asking him to show me what he's grinding for—turned it into like a 10min window where he explains his progress. Helps him talk about it at least

JJason K.New DadDec 6

The "not social" part is the thing that would concern me. If he's just grinding solo for hours that's different than him playing with friends. Have you asked him what the appeal is?