It is difficult for parents to make their teenage children get off their video games or the computer and spend time interacting with people around. Following are some tips to make your children turn off the video games and spend quality time with the family.
- It is usual for teenagers to want to spend time alone or with their friends instead of their family. This way it gives them the feeling of being independent. Although that is good, they shouldn't completely disconnect from the family. Keep inviting your child to play any indoor games or grab a quick bite or watch a favorite family TV show, despite their attempts to avoid. Even if children don't join in family activities, they know they are welcome.
- Make your teens realize the importance of being role models for their younger siblings. They should know that that younger brothers and sisters look up to and need them to share their skills in things they're good at. Suggest to your older teen to help siblings with homework, go for a walk together or prepare an evening meal.
- Be a little strict! Set your own time limits in your home to be on the computer or play video games. Do not overdo it! Initially, think of setting the time-limit for the social entertainment as one-hour. In case if your child needs the computer for studies, just place it in an open room or an area where you can easily monitor their activities. Research shows that boys lack some of the basic social skills because they spend a lot of time on the computer, which limits their social interaction.
- Ask your teens to help with your daily household chores. Make sure your expectations about the "help" you want around the house are clear. It can be any way. You can tell them that they will get to play video games only if they do a particular task. You could even let your kids decide who does what job; this gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for your home and how it operates.
