Why Do Parents Keep Asking Their Children to Pause Online Games?

Good question. When our son was younger, we did this too. Here is the thing though—if your parents give you a warning or you know you have to get off a device by a certain time, that should be sufficient. It is on you to know whether you have the time to begin another game in the time you have, if you don’t like backing out of a game in progress.

Reasons for Parents' Concern

I think parents ask for several reasons. One of which, among other things, is the amount of time spent online. Another is an issue of priorities. My children have a habit of starting a timed game on Roblox just before it’s time to help out with chores or time to come to supper.

Much of this also stems from the fact that most parents haven’t played the online games themselves and don’t know how they work. Providing your parents with a context can give them a better understanding of what you're doing.

Inviting Parents to Play

My advice would be to invite your parents to play with you some time—preferably when all the homework and chores are caught up, and there’s a bit of downtime for them. This can be quality bonding time if done right. For instance, I played RuneScape with my sons starting about 11 or 12 years ago. I still have my 10-year cloak on RS. It was a good thing for us as a family. Then, if I needed them off for one thing or another, they could talk to me sensibly if they couldn’t get off that moment because they were in Castle Wars or something that had a timer on it.

Additionally, I spend time watching my daughters on Roblox just enough to know which games they can just jump off of and which ones I need to be more forgiving of, e.g., "when you die next, please get off."

Work with Them, Not Against Them

Working with them rather than arguing and getting into trouble is usually better. Engaging with your parents is the best chance of helping them understand and maybe resulting in some quality time as a family at the same time.

Here is a piece of advice that has worked for me: You are on it for far too long. You need to step away and socialize with physical beings in your physical space. Why do you get on it and stay on it for hours, knowing I am going to tell you to pause it. Do us both a favor. You get off every 1–2 hours. I won’t tell you to pause it.?This might help them see that you respect their boundaries and value family time.

Parental Controls and Time Management

There are several apps and controls available to help manage screen time effectively. For instance, Common Sense Media offers apps that can help with screen time management, which can be a useful tool for both parents and children to adhere to a schedule.

Another way to manage online game time is to set up a schedule and post it where everyone can see it, ensuring that both you and your parents are aware of the designated times for gaming and other activities.

Family Game Nights

Family game nights can also be a great way to engage with your children and limit their screen time. There are numerous board games and card games that can help keep your kids entertained while also fostering family bonds. You can find a variety of options at your local toy store or online.

Furthermore, educational games that combine learning with fun can be a valuable addition to your game nights. For example, the game "Abuse Myriad" is a trivia-based game that can be both fun and educational. You can find it here.

Conclusion

Engaging in open communication and setting a good example can go a long way in mitigating the challenges of screen time management. By working together, you can achieve a balance between enjoying your favorite online games and spending quality time with your family.