July 17, 2008

How to get my 12 y/old son interested in reading & school rather than playing online & video games?

online games
frustrated Mom asked:


He loves to play PS2 games, online games such as Runescape & Tankmania. Recently he found Club Penquin which is a site for the younger kids. He struggled in school this past year because he would lie to me about his Homework being done so he could play his games. He is a bright young man. He has difficulty staying on task because of his ADHD, which he take medication for that sometimes causes him to be a bit tense. He tends to be explosive when he doesn’t get his way. He will let others do his work for him if he can.

Content for WordPress

Filed under Other - Education by kris

Permalink Print Comment

Comments on How to get my 12 y/old son interested in reading & school rather than playing online & video games? »

July 21, 2008

willhemina31 @ 1:22 am

You may have to show some tough love and take these things away for a while. Let him have his tantrum and don’t give in.

starshipminivan @ 8:45 pm

Consider taking him to parks and places he’s going to enjoy that don’t have games. You can take away his games, yes, he’ll be mad –I wouldn’t expect less.

If you feel like you have no control, which is what seems to be the case, try counseling. A really excellent book is called “How to Talk So Kids Will LIsten and LIsten So Kids Will Talk” It’s a great parenting resource.

July 24, 2008

AZC @ 11:10 am

I would say that you have to replace one with the other, maybe give him some game time for doing homework and good grades, but definitely monitor how much time he spends gaming. The ADHD certainly won’t help, but with the right medication it can be controlled. It might be time for a medication adjustment to help control the explosiveness.

July 27, 2008

samiad2006 @ 6:36 pm

remind him of the jobs he will end up with if he dosent bother with school – mcdonalds, trash collector

July 28, 2008

attila @ 9:31 am

try to get him into puzzle games first, game and works on your head! There are a lot of great puzzle games and mystery games that will have him THINKING. Get him a subscription to a gaming magazine, work WITH his hobbies not against them.
Get him a small book here and there that fits like something he may like, like.. if he likes the resident evil games buy him the book ‘the zombie survival guide’ maybe not the most intellectual thing but it’s reading, its a start. If he likes runescape maybe something by Piers Anthony.

Good luck :)

July 30, 2008

sillylittlemen @ 8:53 am

Why is he making decisions? If he can’t tell you the truth, he shouldn’t have video games. I would take all if it away if he can’t even tell you the truth. Who cares if he explodes? Didn’t you get mad at your parents when they told you to do something you didn’t want to do? Be his parent, not his friend. Sit down with him and work through every homework assignment. Don’t let him play or even have video games.

Personally, I believe most cases of ADHD is a way for parents not to do their job. Yes, some children are more difficult than others because we are all different. So what? Don’t let his ‘possible’ disorder stop him from succeeding.

August 2, 2008

gin @ 5:57 am

Take his video games away from him. They are ruining our young people. My parents are having the same problem with my 16 year old brother. He never did his homework and played video games all day. He has since dropped out of high school and is in a lot of trouble with the cops. Regulate his play time and check his homework. If he says he is done ask to see it. If he doesn’t show it to you do not let him play. There is software out there to where you can program it to shut thing down after a given time. I would recommend that.

August 3, 2008

Bobbi Jo M @ 12:44 pm

Put limits on his activities. Give him time to do what he likes but have a more structured schedule for him to follow with homework and study.
Or get him a tutor since he has been struggling in school.

August 4, 2008

sam b @ 11:57 pm

no kid will eat thier sprouts whilst there’s chips on thier plate, you need to take away the temptation of playing computer games away and be a little firmer, but also, you need to show him the rewards that hard work and dedication can bring and open his eyes to what he’s doing to his future, make sure you’re praising him the right way when he puts in effort and deny him privelidges when he lets himself down, remember too, that playing games all the time has health risks as well.

August 7, 2008

melissa @ 3:33 pm

No one should ever “do” his work for him, that will ruin his educational career forever. Too many kids I know have their parents do everything for him and as soon as they get to a grade level(usually junior high), they flip out and cheat. You need to see his homework and monitor everything. You need to be the one in control that even keeps his games and systems in your possession until the homework and reading is done. If he likes video games, try interesting him in science-fiction, my ten year old brother loves video games and I warn my mom all the time, he is going to suffer later on if he doesn’t develop a good study ethic. Let’s face it no one likes homework or reading (I’m a sophomore psych major in college and I hate required reading), but I have a ton and it has to be done!

His ADHD should not be used as an excuse to get out of reading. And you cannot feel guilty for his disorder causing his struggles. You can help him and encourage him. Reward him every so often with a new game or let him trade in ones he has for newer ones. And it is really important that you and him discuss his ADHD together and work towards positive solutions.

My little brother sounds exactly like your son. He has Tourette’s and OCD adn often my mom will let him have horrible tantrums bc of it. He also changes when he doesn’t get his way. But, you have to keep the position of authority. I’m not saying never give in, but don’t put up with the attitude or it can escalate to further behavioral problems in school and social settings. Be positive and good luck!!

August 8, 2008

Jen @ 7:18 am

Well, considering your son is twelve, it’s kind of late to put an end to this immediately. But, I would say have certain hours he can go on Runescape. Or, take away his paid membership on Runescape. I was addicted to Runescape awhile back. I would spend 12 hours a day on it when not in school, around 6 when I was. To get myself to stop going on so much, I cancled my paid membership. This caused me to get bored with the game. So maybe tell your son that he’ll have to pay for his membership if he wants to keep it.

If that doesnt’ work, take the computer (and other games) out of his room. Put it in the living room, where other people will want to use the computer/tv.

August 10, 2008

StraightDrive @ 5:29 am

Remove unnnecessary things from your home like TV, video games etc. Speak to him in private and tell him what is important in life. You should also set an example by avoiding things which you want him to avoid. Remove the internet connection.

August 12, 2008

sanjac1836 @ 9:04 am

turn the thing off and tell him NO

August 13, 2008

sleeping beauty @ 11:34 pm

force. Take away the tv and computer. Well, limit it. Introduce him to games he can play outside or with friends from school. Try to enter him in football at school.

August 14, 2008

anticipating @ 5:39 pm

12 year old’s and all children need to be influenced by parents just as well as any age child. Have him earn the time to play his video games, as stated by others, expect him to at first rebel but stay strong and don’t give in but you need to have a game plan. How can you enforce rules if you don’t have guidelines set up first to explain to your son. Take your time to direct him to doing other things so that he, at 12 can see his community. Have him help with you in a soup kitchen, or get him involved with a sport or activity, (such as karate), that may ask children and parents to volunteer for help with special organizations. Showing him how to give his time so that it isn’t wasted on sitting in front of a video game or TV will help redirect him plus giving him. Just as a young baby needs to be fed more than one time a day, your son needs you to feed him realities in life, with correction and direction for him to grow and succeed. It wont be easy at first but with your committment you will encounter change.

August 17, 2008

Jack G @ 2:59 pm

You are the mother. You have control. Why do you ask this question?
Most parents claim success by having their child reap rewards
for completing a task.
Sit down and read a lot for yourself. Get him to read a book/article
then receive XX time online with his computer.

August 19, 2008

waplambadoobatawhopbamboo @ 8:03 pm

He has learned his habits from you and you can’t do anything about it now: he has been trained. You’ll have to go with the flow or you’ll make a bigger mess out of him and yourself. You might help him meet other kids his age with the same interests so he can interact with real people and not the PC. He will learn more responsibility from the other kids – so long as he continues to interact with them.

August 22, 2008

suzi s @ 12:06 am

I also have a child thats AHDH but fortunately I never had to use tablets just patience and a lot of support from family, and a lot of prayers.
I learnt the best way to deal with mine is to turn every thing off T.V.’S, Games and etc.. And Yes She screams and throws things around and tells me she hates me etc After all she’s 12. But I stand my ground and wait till she’s cooled down then I go and talk to her and spend some time with her which has helped my situation. I know everyones is different so I wont say that it’ll work for everyone.
I know its hard becoz I have a Son whos 10 and had to miss a lot of attention from me due to my daughter but thankfully he can be understandable at times.
I set ground rules and yeah they brake them and then I punnish them by turning t.v. and etc off on them.
My sugestion would be stand your ground and set rules then if he brakes them punnish him by taking everytthing away from him and keep at it till you can see the difference.

August 25, 2008

anirbas @ 5:59 am

My ADD daughter listens to books on tape/cd while doing the computer or playing games

Try

Try challenging him to a contest. If he can a chapter read then he can play for 30 minutes. On I know that, do it with him.

My child is much less explosive now, she has been through counseling and special ed. We had to get rid of the TV for a year. Now she watches less.

Try TINTIN or ASTERIX books, they are illustrated and fabulous.

Do not rely on him about the homework issue; you and he might make a contract with the teacher (s) to email the hw or post it somewhere.

If he lies to you about hw, he has to lose the playstation for an impactful period of time.

I’ve been there. :)

The Adventures of Tintin: Tintin in America / Cigars of the Pharaoh / The Blue Lotus (3 Complete Adventures in One Volume, Vol. 1) (Hardcover)

August 26, 2008

norabsowell @ 3:16 am

take the game and computer away till school work is done no A’s no game or b or c depending how smart you think he can be

Manuel H @ 1:06 pm

This isn’t and will not be easy. Turn off the cable and pretend you don’t have money to pay for it, then while he’s asleep break a replaceable part to his PS2, then claim there is no money to fix it.

Once you have done this, things might get better, you’ll be able to take it from there.

August 27, 2008

sandra k @ 12:44 am

YOU are the adult/parent… take the computer away from him, and all the games, music etc… take away the fun stuff and when he decides to do his homework , school work, house hold chores… allow him to play for a period of time. When he learns schooling is first then free time is last he will eventually change, but not before he gives you a hard time. Just stick with your terms and do not back down. You will be happier and he will to one day.

August 30, 2008

John L @ 10:56 am

Wilehimina is right …tough love…take away priveledges until they earn time and good grades, then in small doses, give back time for games. At our house it was a battle at first, then the routine of all chores and homework done first; only then came time for computer games or whatever. Be the parent first, and remember the kids need the boundaries. And the kids that live here at our house only get it on the weekend! Everyone is cool with it now..it is accepted as routine. They’ll still love you…JCL

August 31, 2008

timjim @ 1:28 am

Have him spend equal time reading as he spends on the video games

Beejee @ 8:33 pm

Mo betta’ you work WITH him on the homework, if possible.

September 1, 2008

Krystal M @ 4:07 am

I’m a 22 yr old youth worker, i usually deal with young people with challenging behaviours… let me tell you what your son is doing is normal, whatever normal is. you need to take luxuries away from him but also let him have his play time. most importantly you have to be aware of how you do this. you should build a rapport with your son before setting boundaries, a rapport also builds trust, with trust there is respect with respect there is discipline. he also needs to learn that there are consequences to his actions in order to see the importance of why he should focus a little more on his studies. also understand that there is probably a lot more about your son that you haven’t yet learnt. best of luck and i hope i helped some.

September 3, 2008

sarah a @ 5:48 pm

thats gonna be very hard! sorry

September 8, 2008

AL @ 7:38 pm

Limit his use of those items until he accepts and reads more. As a parent that is part of his learning by using disicpline, if not he’ll more then likely be lucky enough just to be able to read comic books and nothing else for the rest of his life. If he bulks on what you are trying to help him with, go to stronger discipline methods and inforce them. Kids are spoiled today because of all these modern day gadgets that are given to them and parents just don’t realize how bad they affect the children to obtain a good education.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to comment