Son wants gaming PC for his 12th birthday

1d ago1 min read

My kid is begging for a gaming PC because all his friends have one. I get it, but I'm worried about the money and also about screen time getting out of control. He promises he'll balance it with sports and homework but we both know how that goes. Anyone else deal with this age? What's a reasonable limit if we do get him one? I'm thinking maybe 2 hours on school nights but he'll probably think I'm the worst dad ever.

8 comments225 views

Comments(8)

JJason B.New Dadjust now

The gaming PC thing is tough. My oldest has been asking too and I've been trying to figure out the right move. I think the key is setting clear expectations upfront about screen time limits and what homework/chores need to happen first. Make it conditional, you know?

AAdam K.New Dad3h ago

Gaming PCs are expensive and the time suck is real. My 12 year old asked for one and I told him to earn it by saving birthday money and chores. He's halfway there and I haven't had to spend a dime. Plus it means more to him now.

AAdam K.New Dadjust now

This is where I'd sit down with him and ask what games he actually wants to play. Sometimes kids think they want it because their friends have it, not because they really do. Also a decent gaming PC is expensive - maybe there's a middle ground like a used one or console instead?

DDavid M.New Dad1d ago

I get the fear. Everyone has one so the pressure is intense. But a gaming PC doesn't have to happen at 12. We said 'prove you can manage your time first.' Kid is 14 now and we're finally looking at it. He's more mature about it too.

BBrianNew Dad1d ago

The addiction potential is real though. If you do go for it, set up strict time limits from day one or you'll be fighting it constantly.

DDerek P.Regular1d ago

Just because his friends have one doesn't mean he needs one right now. We do the same battle in our house. I picked my battle on this one and said no for another year. Not every kid needs every thing their friends have.

CChristopherNew Dad1d ago

I'd say wait a year if you can. 12 is still pretty young and the pressure is real. When I finally caved and got my son a nice setup, I made sure there were hard rules about when it stays off. Monitor what he's playing too, some of that stuff gets dark fast.

DDerekRegular21h ago

Just a heads up from new dad perspective, but I've heard from other parents that gaming addiction is real with kids that age. Whatever you decide, maybe build in some family time that doesn't involve screens to balance it out.