What should I do if my child is crazy about playing games

Children's addiction to games can be improved through establishing rules, transferring interests, family interaction, behavior guidance, professional intervention, and other methods. Game addiction is usually caused by stress avoidance, social deficits, dopamine dependence, imitative behavior, psychological compensation, and other factors.

1. Establish rules

Develop a clear game schedule, such as not exceeding 30 minutes per day on school days and extending it appropriately on weekends. Use a timer to remind children to end the game and avoid sudden interruptions that may cause resistance. The implementation of rules requires family unity, and parents should lead by example to reduce their use of mobile phones. Game time can be linked to learning tasks, and game permissions can be unlocked after completing assignments.

2. Transfer interests

Take children to experience offline activities such as sports and handicrafts, gradually replacing the pleasure brought by the virtual world. Choose appropriate interest classes based on the child's age, such as LEGO programming, drawing and dancing. Regularly organize family activities such as outdoor camping and museum visits to weaken the appeal of games with fresh experiences. Pay attention to the child's strengths and cultivate targeted alternatives to sex.

3. Family Interaction

Increase high-quality companionship time such as parent-child reading and board game competitions to meet children's emotional needs. Through family meetings, understand children's social demands in games and help establish real-life friendships. Parents should avoid simple preaching and can use role-playing games to understand their children's virtual world experience, and then gradually guide cognitive adjustment.

4. Behavior guidance

uses positive incentives rather than punishment, such as giving rewards after achieving non game goals. Assist children in analyzing the addictive mechanisms of game design, cultivating media literacy and self-management skills. For adolescent children, they can participate in rule making by creating contracts to enhance their sense of autonomy and responsibility.

5. Professional Intervention

When serious situations such as truancy and day night reversal occur, it is necessary to seek evaluation from a psychologist. Cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve gaming disorders, and family therapy can adjust parent-child interaction patterns. Some children may have attention deficit or ADHD comorbidities, and require professional diagnosis and medication treatment. Parents need to maintain a peaceful mindset and avoid demonizing games, which can lead to parent-child conflicts. Electronic device free areas can be set up at home, such as restaurants and bedrooms where the use of mobile phones is prohibited. Regularly discuss game content with children to understand their psychological needs behind their addiction. Ensuring sufficient sleep and exercise for children and a balanced diet can help regulate their nerves. If multiple methods fail to improve, it is necessary to seek help from school psychologists or professional institutions in a timely manner.