Fortnite has fully integrated itself into our household, and there’s a good chance it’s taken over yours too. This game has become the latest obsession, especially among boys. I genuinely mean it when I say I’ve never seen my kids so enamored with anything. They leap out of bed at the crack of dawn on weekends to play, rush through their homework to game, and even attempt to fake illnesses just to stay home and play. But I don’t fall for that one.
Let me clarify: this isn’t a tirade against the game—I actually have a complicated fondness for it. Unlike many other video games that can isolate kids and create antisocial behavior, Fortnite promotes interaction. Most kids don headsets to chat with one another while they play, and I find a bit of guilty pleasure in hearing them shout things like, “I’m down!” or “Watch out, they’re right behind you.” And I can’t help but snicker when they say, “Guys, my mom says I have to go.” That’s right; the woman who carried you for nine months wants you to take off that headset and come upstairs.
“Okay, okay, it’s my last game,” they plead. This has become the usual response whenever I announce it’s time to log off. Here’s the catch: unlike my last chip from a bag of Doritos, a final game of Fortnite can stretch on for what feels like ages, as it only ends when their character is eliminated. On good days, I might tolerate this “last game” mantra, but woe to my kids if I’m already frustrated from tripping over their things. Then, there will be no last game.
As a mom of three boys and with only one Xbox in our home, I’m sure you can relate to the constant struggle over sharing and taking turns with Fortnite. The disputes over who played longer and when it will be their turn often lead to chaos that could rival any movie scene. Ironically, one of Fortnite’s biggest draws—its accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels—also creates the most drama. My 9-year-old and 13-year-old frequently clash over whose turn it is to play, and I imagine even celebrities would find themselves in similar predicaments if they lived here.
The game’s premise, known as Fortnite Battle Royale, is straightforward: be the last one standing. Each match begins with 100 players parachuting onto an island armed only with a pickaxe, battling until only one remains. Players can team up in groups of four or go solo, scavenging for weapons and items scattered across the shrinking landscape.
Parental reactions to Fortnite in our home often correspond with our stress levels. Some days, I appreciate the peace it brings, allowing me to get things done while my boys are happily engaged. If this trend continues, I might even consider subscribing to HBO for some uninterrupted viewing. Who wouldn’t want a moment to browse through group buying sites like Groupon, only to be surprised by packages that arrive weeks later?
However, there are plenty of times when I feel like throwing a tantrum because it seems like I am constantly extinguishing Fortnite-related fires from the moment they wake up until bedtime. When my patience runs thin, they’re well aware that my temper will flare.
You might wonder why I let them play or why I don’t just get rid of the Xbox altogether. My answer is simple: Fortnite is what my boys enjoy when they’re not busy with school or sports. More importantly, their enthusiasm for the game has proven to be a useful motivator for chores. They’re willing to complete tasks to earn their gaming time, turning healthy bribes—er, I mean, accountability—into a household norm.
Dishes get washed, clothes get put away, homework gets done, and I even get foot rubs if they know Fortnite awaits after my to-do list is complete. It’s amazing how they’ll even shower without a fuss if they know it means a few rounds of Fortnite afterward. Talk about a jackpot!
While it doesn’t always feel like a win—especially on those days when I curse the existence of Fortnite—the overall impact is positive. The kids are enjoying quality time with friends, including those they might not see often outside of school or sports, and they’re also stepping up as my long overdue helpers.
Sure, they squabble and occasionally lose their gaming privileges, leading to a short mom lecture about gratitude and respect. But on the whole, I find Fortnite to be a net positive in our lives, much more so than the days of bottle flipping or fidget spinners.
In summary, while my connection to Fortnite is complicated, I see significant benefits in terms of entertainment and motivation for my kids, all while providing me with some much-needed peace.
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