The fortnite addiction is real

Dec 131 min read

I set a 1-hour limit on Fortnite and you would think I told my 13yo he can never touch a screen again. The meltdowns are REAL. I get that he wants to play with his friends but I literally can't have him gaming all evening - he's got homework, sleep is important, and I need sanity.

Does it get easier as they get older or am I setting myself up for years of this? Also curious if anyone's found ways to make the transition off easier. Timers don't work. Warnings don't work. Just hits a wall of rage when I shut it down.

11 comments130 views

Comments(11)

RRick H.RegularDec 13

I feel this so hard. My 12yo acts like I just told him he's grounded forever when I cut him off. The thing is they WILL get over it and find other stuff to do if you hold the line

HHank C.RegularDec 14

This is the age where they genuinely feel like they're missing out socially when they can't play. My 13yo had actual anxiety about not being in the squad chat. We compromised: 1 hour daily + 2 hours on weekends. Took a week of meltdowns but he adjusted.

AAllen K.RegularDec 14

For what it's worth, the meltdowns now are better than letting him have unlimited screen time and dealing with worse issues down the road. Stay strong on the limit - he'll adjust

TTom E.RegularDec 14

The trick I found is letting them pick WHEN the hour happens instead of you deciding. Makes it feel less like a restriction and more like their choice. They're way less pissed about limits when they have some control

RRussell D.RegularDec 14

The "playing with friends" thing is real though. Have you considered letting him game with friends but on YOUR schedule? Like Friday nights he gets 2 hours instead of scattered throughout the week? Might reduce the constant asking.

FFred J.RegularDec 13

For real though, how's the school stuff? Because if his grades are fine maybe 1hr is actually too strict? I'm not trying to judge I'm genuinely asking because everyone has different situations

NNick J.RegularDec 15

The meltdown over 1 hour is rough but honestly that limit is reasonable for a 13yo. You're not being the bad guy here - he literally just wants unlimited gaming with friends which isn't sustainable

CChris T.RegularDec 15

Have you tried showing him his screen time data? Not in a shaming way but just like "here's what the phone says you're playing." Sometimes seeing it actually helps them self-regulate.

PPaul M.RegularDec 15

The meltdowns at 13 hit different. When I tried this my son literally locked himself in his room. Took about 3 weeks of consistent boundaries before he stopped fighting it. The first week is the absolute worst.

TTom R.RegularDec 15

Honestly maybe compromise slightly? Like let him play the 1 hour with friends but make it a specific time so he has something to look forward to instead of it feeling random. Still sets a boundary but feels less punishing to him

SSteve C.RegularDec 15

1 hour is actually pretty reasonable for a 13yo. The meltdown is just withdrawal - it'll pass. Stick to your guns because if you cave now you're done for.