Technology has made life better in many ways, but video games can take up a lot of time and even affect your teen’s social and school life. Video game alternatives make it easier for them to connect and still spend time doing things they love. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we know that video game addiction has a negative effect on your child’s life, but we can help. For more information about the treatment options available, please contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction is a process addiction. When a person has compulsive and uncontrolled use of video games to the point that playing those games has a negative impact on the rest of their life.
What Are Some Good Alternatives to Video Games?
There are dozens of alternatives to video games ranging from enrolling in a sport to participating in extracurricular clubs. The alternatives you consider for your teen should be in line with their interests. For example, suppose they enjoy video games focused on fighting or the military. In that case, it may be beneficial to enroll them in martial arts or another activity that falls into the genre.
Here are three alternatives to video games that you may want to try.
1. Adopting a Pet
Adopting a pet is an excellent way to get your teen out of their heads and away from video game consoles. A new dog, for instance, needs a lot of care. A puppy needs regular walks or monitoring when they’re outside playing. They can learn tricks and form a bond with your teen, too.
Adopting a pet is a good way to teach responsibility and good time management, too.
2. Enrolling in Sports or Clubs at School
Enrolling in sports or clubs at school can ensure your teen is away from video games and focuses on their peers’ experiences. Talk to the school about the different clubs and sports that are currently offered. While some might be more exclusive and require your teen to try out, others usually allow for open enrollment. Most schools have a range of club activities that cover all kinds of interests.
3. Create More Family Time
It can help have your entire family walk the walk and talk the talk about spending more time away from gaming. It’s much more likely for your teen to become upset if their sibling doesn’t have to participate or gets to continue on gaming systems when they don’t.
Set aside specific times when your family is going to spend time together, and stick to that schedule. Whether you add a Friday night game night or you take one long weekend a month for a short getaway with your children, it’s essential to invest in that time as a family. Therefore, if you say no electronics, then make sure no one has any. If you bring a smartphone, turn off your notifications unless you’re in private so that your teen gets the support they need. If you need additional support, please reach out to Foothills at Red Oak today.
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for Help
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we know that video game addiction can take over a teen’s life. Usually, there are underlying reasons for turning to these games so heavily, and that’s something that our teen addiction programs investigate and help with. These video game alternatives are a good start for removing video games from your teen’s daily life. We can help you with addiction ideas and support. Call us today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our programs and services.
