How to Get Children to Stop Playing Video Games

In a computer dominant age, it can be hard to steer your kids away from video games. However, many families simply don't want their children hooked on these games for hours on end. Each family may have their own take on how to keep the games from little ones hands, but there are a few proven ways to get children to stop playing video games.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Reward your child for not playing a video game for a certain period of time, whether it's per week or per day. This does not mean you should bribe your children. However, rewarding them for good behavior every once in awhile might get them a bit more motivated than simply telling them to turn off their favorite game.
2. Keep the family computer in an area where all members have access to it. If the computer, which has access to many different games your child can play, is in a bedroom or even your child's room, there is more temptation and availability to your youngster. If you don't want them playing games on your family PC, make it clear and do not let any other family members play on the computer--including yourself!
3. Encourage your child to be a bit more active by reminding them of something that they really enjoy. You may also participate with them in an activity other than playing a video game to get your kids interested in something else. The more you do these things with your kids, the more it will become habit instead of gaming.
4. Fill the void with something educational and fun. Make it fun for your children when you've taken away an activity that they enjoy, but also incorporate some education into it. There are many different learning tools that are quite similar to video games that would make a great substitute to your generic "shoot 'em up" game kids' play.
5. Cut them off cold turkey. If you simply take away the console or take the game off your computer, there will certainly be some sort of resistance from your little ones. However, if the temptation is gone, they will be forced to find something else to do. Suggest a few outdoor activities or make plans for them to play with a friend, and soon the other activities will become staples in the house instead of the game.