As a parent, I often find myself navigating the tricky waters of what’s appropriate for my child. My 11-year-old son, Ethan, has been relentlessly asking for the video game Fortnite, especially since most of his friends seem to be playing it. He insists that everyone he knows is engaged with this game, but I suspect that’s a slight exaggeration. There are other parents out there, like myself, who are holding firm against various demands for the latest toys or gadgets, whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet, or a gaming console.
From what I’ve gathered, Fortnite isn’t necessarily a terrible game; however, it does carry a Teen rating. My partner, Sarah, and I always take the time to research video games because, honestly, we aren’t gamers ourselves. I haven’t touched a video game since the Sega Genesis. Instead, I prefer activities like reading or writing.
Many people might suggest that I should try playing video games with my kids, but that’s just not appealing to me. Ethan has a passion for gaming, and if left unchecked, he would likely spend all day glued to a screen, neglecting basic responsibilities like showering or even stepping outside. To address this, we have established limits on his gaming time and decided to adhere to the recommended age ratings for video games.
Since Fortnite is rated for ages 13 and up, we’ve drawn a clear line: Ethan can’t play until he turns 13. This decision has led to countless pleas from him, as if he’s on the verge of a disaster without access to this game.
However, setting boundaries is a crucial part of parenting. We face numerous decisions for our children and must stand by those choices. Perhaps you’ve opted not to get your child a cellphone, and there are valid reasons on both sides of that argument, from safety concerns to the need for communication. At the same time, it’s nice to avoid sitting next to your child as they immerse themselves in an online world, chatting with friends while ignoring the real world around them.
I also know that not every one of Ethan’s friends is playing Fortnite. I’m acquainted with many of their parents, and I realize that several of them share the same restrictions we have in place. But, of course, to a child, it can often feel like everyone else has what they don’t. Ethan leads a fulfilling life, in my opinion, and he will continue to thrive without Fortnite until he is old enough to play. By the time he reaches that age, the game may not even be relevant anymore, and I’ll likely be dealing with a new game that has a Mature rating.
I’ve explained this to him, but he often looks at me as if I’m making a grave mistake. What I’m really doing is teaching him that there is an appropriate time for everything. Rules are established for a reason, and he can still enjoy life without the latest trend. My hope is that this experience will help him understand the importance of respecting laws and age restrictions for activities like drinking or driving.
Of course, there’s always the worry that he might resent me for this decision or consider leaving to find a family that indulges his gaming desires. But I seriously doubt it.
So, I’m standing firm on this issue, as is Sarah. I don’t feel guilty about our choice, and if you find yourself in a similar situation, you shouldn’t either. Don’t let other parents sway you or make you feel like your rules aren’t significant. This is your household, and you have the authority to set the standards. Stick to your convictions, and in the long run, it will all work out just fine.
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In summary, it’s essential to make thoughtful decisions regarding your child’s access to video games and technology, even when faced with peer pressure. Setting boundaries not only helps them understand the importance of age-appropriate content but also teaches valuable life lessons.
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