My 11 year old is obsessed with this game. While he plays safely offline, and it's only building (btw, Lego comes out with Minecraft themed construction sets in August), I want him to get outside, read, play away from electronics. Should I give consequences if he plays too much? How do I get him interested in other activities when he's not sports-minded and things that he used to do more often he seems to be growing too old for?
Please share your strategies
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Permalink Reply by Stacia D. Kelly on May 9, 2012 at 1:17pm I have the same issue with my 8yo. I set the timer on the stove - when it beeps, he's got to get off the computer and go do something active. Seems to be working.
Permalink Reply by Ronna Mandel on May 9, 2012 at 2:14pm Thanks Stacia. Timer's a good idea because I always get distracted doing chores and lose track of time.
Stacia D. Kelly said:
I have the same issue with my 8yo. I set the timer on the stove - when it beeps, he's got to get off the computer and go do something active. Seems to be working.
We have the same problem. I also have an 11 year old son who only wants to play Minecraft. we go round and round with it. So very frustrating.
Have you found a solution since you posted? lol
Permalink Reply by Ronna Mandel on May 25, 2012 at 9:35am To be honest I have not done much, but when a group of parents the other evening all said they limit or ban computer time M-Th and then if they do allow it, it's 30 mins I felt just awful that I am ruining my son's brain. I have decided to allow longer time because it's constructive play, plus I have him out on a play date once a week and swimming twice a week. When he moves into middle school next year I will set more stringent guidelines/limits and he and I will reach a decision together since he is very conscientious and understands my concerns that too much screen time leads to depression amongst a host of other ills.
What do you think?
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