Replied by Mama to Many (TN) on 02/20/2025
Dear Susan, There is no amount of food or supplement that is going to help with this problem. Yes, a good diet will help their brain, but the only solution is to completely cut off the gaming. You would not let a drug addict have a little bit of his drug of choice a day. It has to be cold turkey.
You will have to replace gaming with things that are healthy for their bodies, minds, and souls. They will greatly resist at first but will be immensely happy after while. They need to be outside playing - even in the cold. They need to read books or have them read to them until they want to read. (My teens love to be ready to! ) They can play games together. They can join a sports team.
But you will also have to get off devices and social media. Because you are going to be very, very busy keeping them very busy and giving them a good example.
Boredom is not necessarily a bad thing kids. It unlocks their creativity.
I am also a mom of 9. My kids were not allowed to do any gaming at all. Period. No social media until 18. I have no regrets and my kids will tell you the same. We didn't even have a tv for most of my child raising.
Check out the website about 1, 000 hours outside and look for other resources with ideas for what to replace device time with.
You will not be sorry! The first days and weeks will be hardest. But it will get easier and someday they will thank you.
~Mama to Many~
Replied by Hollyhock (America ) on 02/20/2025
This is frighteningly common these days! Rare to see kids outside playing anymore! I'd say remove all the equipment from the home. Sell it and put the money towards things to do outside. No more gaming, period. They will adjust. Good luck, please end the problem.Replied by Ruralady (Illinois) on 02/21/2025
Take them camping when you can. Make sure it's a "rough it" type camping. No hookups and just nature....Yellowstone is excellent. Plenty to see and a whole lotta walking.Replied by China (Sun Priory) on 02/26/2025
Ask them why they play so much. Some games are educational.
Find out the need, then meet it some other way.
Coconut oil probably would not be a bad idea, there are lots of delicious recipes online. Maybe they would like to help you make them and decide which are their favorites.
Coconut oil is made two ways. When you buy a jar put a teaspoon of it in a hot frying pan and check the way it smells. "Copra" coconut oil takes on a bad smell when heated. Try to find one that does not change its aroma when heated if you plan to cook it.
Best wishes!
