How do I get video games away from 10 year old?!
Question: My son has been playing video games since he was 3! He now has made it to where he is kicked out of every school so he can stay home and play video games. He will not do school at home either. Now here is the kicker...
You may tell me to take video games away, as that is the obvious answer! Been trying for 4 years and each time, he has tried to commit suicide! And then ended up in state hospitals and so forth. He is on meds for Bipolar and ADHD and ODD, but they do not work and docs wont help!
I have run into sooo many walls, help?
Answers: My son has been playing video games since he was 3! He now has made it to where he is kicked out of every school so he can stay home and play video games. He will not do school at home either. Now here is the kicker...
You may tell me to take video games away, as that is the obvious answer! Been trying for 4 years and each time, he has tried to commit suicide! And then ended up in state hospitals and so forth. He is on meds for Bipolar and ADHD and ODD, but they do not work and docs wont help!
I have run into sooo many walls, help?
Mom they now make a program for the computer that allows you to con troll the amount of time a child plays games. If you don't have the games on computer, I suggest you switch over then the computer has a timer that automatically shuts down, and you can blame the problem on the internet or puter. Good Luck!
outdoor activities.... it may take some time but once he finds a hobby or a group of friends that can match up the excitement he gets from video games.... it will probably lessen his interest to it... every kid loves to play so maybe he'll like some good old fashioned outdoor games... especially if he can be good at it....
What about taking him outside and playing with him? Or maybe there's a facilty i your area that he can meet friends and mingle and play basket ball, base ball, etc? I'm not sure, it sounds as if your stuck between a rock a hard place. Just try and show him that there's more than just video games. Best luck
He needs hospitalized. You can call your local treatment centers and find out where is best, but that will ensure his safety and he won't be able to commit suicide there, plus with him being hospitalized the DR's will get 24 hour reports on his behaviors. It is hard to do. He is your Child, but my Mother did it to me and it was the best option. He has to many issues going on and they need treated. I am talking about actual INPATIENT treatment and if the 1st hospital doesn't help try another. That is the best thing you can do if you love him.
Unless he's bigger than you, you mite win, get him outside and play/work that excess energy off. I think we depend on Meds, rather than love, kindness, and DISCIPLINE to help raise our kids. I'm not slamming you either, I've got 2 grandkids on Meds, and the parents think its OK, but they've never been DISCIPLINED either!!
Instead of taking them away altogether, set time limits. Video arcades do not allow people under the age of 18 inside of them until school hours are over. Have the same rules at home, whether it is a school day or not. Say from 5 pm to 7 pm games are allowed to be played, but all school work must be finished 1st. Same times on weekends. Maybe some extra time with a psychologist, not just meds, would help as well.
Also, buy more educational games.
Do not use taking them away as a punishment. You need to establish a strict schedule, with realistic time tables, you can not let him continue to play all day everyday.
And because of the bipolar bit, you may want to start this during an "up" period. You may also want to work into this schedule, like weening him from the games... cut some time from his normal playing by making him go with you to do something, just cut a little more time each day until you have reached an acceptable amount of time.
Well my dear you're in for a real fight. There's no way you're going to be able to take those games away now, he's learned how to get his way and keep control over it.
If the hospitals and doctors aren't helping then go back to your insurance complany and ask them for a new doctor or ask for a residential treatment facility. He needs more intensive therapy to break him of this.
Just a question, but is he also borderline? Either way good luck.
WOW! I'm so sorry to hear all of that. I can't imagine them kicking him out once insurance runs out but, I also know that this unfortunately does happen. If the meds aren't working then, he's on the wrong ones, or is not taking them correctly.
You've seen the commercials about "if your're on medication for depression and still experiencing the same symptoms, then talk to your doc. about something new", right? That applies here too. Who administers the meds.? You or him? If you, then are checking to make sure they're being swallowed? The suicide thing sounds like an attention seeking thing(not that i'm saying it should be taken lightly!), but, just as a means of getting his way. If I were you I'd forget the psychiatrists and psychiatric hospitals, and take him to a psychologist. This way he will be given more attention and get the chance to open up to someone and actually talk, instead of a couple minutes with a psychiatrist who will do nothing but increase doses and give even more meds. All they're interested in is medicinal therapy. Psychologists use forms of cognitive/cognitive behavioral therapy. p.s., I'm not just blowing out hot air! Before switching to law I was a Psych. major, and I currently work in the MR/MI/DD community. I know all too well what i'm talking about! I hope you get the help and answers that you need. Just don't ever give up on him. There is a solution.
Try to get him involved in a local football team this will burn up plenty of enrgry and he wont b as hyped up. And also have a look at his diet.
pull the plug...