11 year old son addicted to Minecraft.

Sydney - posted 3 days ago

That's an interesting perspective. We deletedvMinecraft from our son's computer because it is all he would think and talk about. He stopped some of his hobbies and he would become so upset over a game! When he would make a friend, he only knew if that child plays minecraft or not because that would be the only topic of conversation. This game can bring out OCD if a child has it or as I know an older kid who went through self harm. It's a game to get rid of. My son is 12 and I don't want to look back and say that Minecraft was his everything for too long. It's hard to get over and it's been a month now but it will be worth it. We see the difference already.

Kimberly - posted on 04/24/2013

I am going through the same prob. My name is Kimberly, I am a single mom of a 15 yr. old boy that is infatuated w/Mindcraft. I just have to keep a close eye on all the games he plays & has played in the past. I am just greatful that I don't have a son addicted to other (worse) things such as drugs. On the same page though there does have to be a limit on the hours allowed on the laptop/pc. I am guilty of letting my boy on his for way to long most of the time & really know that I need to set & STICK to my own allowance.
They will get upset yes but we are not here to be there friends....we ARE indeed they're parents & that's way more important, that's also sometimes the challange.
Well good luck w/u'r son & I hope this has helped.

Diane - posted on 04/19/2013

Marlene.... Mine is in " Clash of Clans" an iPod, iPhone game. It's a worry as well.

Marlene - posted on 04/19/2013

My son is 10 and I am having the same issue with a certain ipod game, celtic heros. I feel like he might actually be addicted to this game. Will it wear off as he gets older? My fear is that it won't...

Ahlmann - posted on 04/19/2013

Stop and think about this for a second, seeing it from the child's perspective (I can relate as a parent as I was 11 years and addicted to videogames back then). The child has been told, ordered and controlled what to do since it can remember, wether it's at school, by parents, if it's good for the child or not doesn't matter, that's its experience . The child doesn't know any different in its world, except when it's allowed to play.

Now consider this, another world appears for the child, with endless possibilities and freedom to explore, create, learn, experience, with the interactive world, with friends. The way adult human living should be weren't it for all the restrictions, conditioning and framing of our (adult) minds, the exact restricting, conditioning and framing that goes on in the child's experience of which it doesn't have the freedom to choose, it is forced upon, so it is completely natural to break free and Minecraft supplies that possibility.

Now the task of the parent is to put this all in perspective for the child, because the parent can know all this, but the child can not, only on a deeper level of intuititive understanding, the parent must supply the cognitive, even if it will undermine their authorative position; as teenagers hit puberty they will rebel anyway and eventually, but to know why makes all the difference.

I see a lot of great solutions in the comments of parents combining what they think is best for the child with the child's choices to do what it want to do. Parenting is about control, and the ever slightly diminishing level of it a parent has over a child, the more the parent tries to keep control, the more the child will suffer in conflicts, escapism etc. There are reasons a child gets addicted to videogames, for the child its about survival of self in an escaped world of freedom, and taking that away or restricting it beyond the child's ability to have fun, ánd not taking care of the reasons that started it all, will damage the child immensely, when it's all about jus trying to clear the path a bit for the child for it to become a strong individual who can take care of itself and others.

Ahlmann - posted on 04/19/2013

Stop and think about this for a second, seeing it from the child's perspective (I can relate as a parent as I was 11 years and addicted to videogames back then). The child has been told, ordered and controlled what to do since it can remember, wether it's at school, by parents, if it's good for the child or not doesn't matter, that's its experience . The child doesn't know any different in its world, except when it's allowed to play.

Now consider this, another world appears for the child, with endless possibilities and freedom to explore, create, learn, experience, with the interactive world, with friends. The way adult human living should be weren't it for all the restrictions, conditioning and framing of our (adult) minds, the exact restricting, conditioning and framing that goes on in the child's experience of which it doesn't have the freedom to choose, it is forced upon, so it is completely natural to break free and Minecraft supplies that possibility.

Now the task of the parent is to put this all in perspective for the child, because the parent can know all this, but the child can not, only on a deeper level of intuititive understanding, the parent must supply the cognitive, even if it will undermine their authorative position; as teenagers hit puberty they will rebel anyway and eventually, but to know why makes all the difference.

I see a lot of great solutions in the comments of parents combining what they think is best for the child with the child's choices to do what it want to do. Parenting is about control, and the ever slightly diminishing level of it a parent has over a child, the more the parent tries to keep control, the more the child will suffer in conflicts, escapism etc. There are reasons a child gets addicted to videogames, for the child its about survival of self in an escaped world of freedom, and taking that away or restricting it beyond the child's ability to have fun, ánd not taking care of the reasons that started it all, will damage the child immensely, when it's all about jus trying to clear the path a bit for the child for it to become a strong individual who can take care of itself and others.

Evelyn - posted on 04/18/2013

My son was somewhat addicted to video games in general when he first got a PS2. But in the last couple of years he is the one now initiating the move to do other things and he is still a teen.

Cecilia - posted on 04/18/2013

Diane, how to do it depends on what he uses to play- Computer or xbox... Goggle it, you'll get better step by step directions.

Diane - posted on 04/18/2013

would love to know how to make a server for him!
And yes! thats a great idea...the "jointhem" approach..Apparently my child is very talented at this as well. His friends are always calling him for advice.
I just want to limit the addiction not squash his creative juices..

Diane - posted on 04/18/2013

would love to know how to make a server for him!
And yes! thats a great idea...the "jointhem" approach..Apparently my child is very talented at this as well. His friends are always calling him for advice.
I just want to limit the addiction not squash his creative juices..

JonoOrchard - posted on 04/16/2013

hi, I'm a dad, married with 2 kids

my 11 yr old son is addicted to MC also. He would play it 24hrs a day if possible.

I have taken the 'join them' approach and got myself a MC account $35 usd I think. And play with him and his friends. I've also set him up with his own server where he makes the rules and controls his friends access. It did take a little bit of tech know how, but know that its running its pretty awesome......This approach has caused my son to be so passionate about MC that he wants to write and design his own games. This hobby, albeit a little annoying when his ears dont work when playing MC,,,,(and various other symptoms) are minor compared to the passion and drive he has established early in life which he's now starting to apply this 'feeling' to a more practical and productive future in the IT world.

Chris - posted on 04/07/2013

He should sign up for a sport baseball soccer basketball. At least minecraft is not a bad game my kids both played with it too but after a while it wears off. Just set a time limit and he will be fine. There is not alot of time on school night by the time they eat dinner do homework and get their showers. My kids do their homework right when they get home then go outside and plaly till dinner and then after showers they play xbox for a little while then get ready for bed.

Evan - posted on 04/06/2013

Thanks Cecilia!! Great post. Very stimulating points you bring up. You too diane. Ill be more considerate whilst testing peoples reactions.

Michelle - posted on 04/06/2013

Hi, I have the same problem. Its not just minecraft. Its all video games. My son does not even want to go out side. I have to forse him to do anything that is not gaming. I dont mind if he plays. I just like to limit the time. My time limit is never good anough. Seems like he has lost pleasure in most things. Its a race to get anything done just so he can play his games. Mind you my son is also 11years old

Diane - posted on 03/30/2013

Amen ....Cecilia Bailey!!!!
Evan... Please do your research in a different forum....
We are just Moms discussing topics with other MOTHERS ( circle of moms ) in order to commiserate with the vicissitudes of life!
Get it?

Cecilia - posted on 03/30/2013

Evan,

I think the response to the children in the thread is equal to the way they approached us. I do think that is a great lesson for them to learn. For a child to come in here and say " what you need to know is if your child is acting up its your falt not video games" They are going to get a negative response, no matter if you're a child or a 50 yr old grandmother. That is how the world works.

As far as comments being malicious, and that children need parental guidance. Sorry I can't be that child's mother. If I took on every "stray" I would never sleep. If it was my child, they would have gotten much worse from me.

You saying find a common bond between mother and child, who says they don't have one? My daughter can be a bit of an addict over the game, this does not mean we don't have other common interest (we bake and sew together on a regular basis). This isn't one of them. No one here said that they don't know their child. They are saying that "this has become a problem, I don't know what to do!"

If you really want to understand moms, understand this much- Asking for help sometimes is the hardest thing for a mother to do. That is why we flock to this site. It's a place where other people also admit to not knowing all the answers. In the "real world" we have to keep a strait face and stand up tall no matter how bad it is. We are expected to know how to handle any situation that may arise. The best we can do sometimes is ask "who else has dealt with this and how did you get through it?" That is why we prefer to talk to only other mothers. Non-mothers, like yourself, see it as you clearly pointed out in your 2nd post. That some how asking for help makes us neglectful or bad mothers. The opposite is probably true... we're trying! That's much more than many of our male counterparts can claim.

Evan - posted on 03/30/2013

If your wondering how that qualifies as research. I can now show kids how mothers respond to an insightful argument vs an impulsive one. Just trying to make the world a better place one life lesson at a time. Again sorry for the wasted time typing, and the unnecessary excitement

Diane - posted on 03/30/2013

With research, comes great responsibility!!!!!
DON'T MESS WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF MOTHERHOOD!!!

Evan - posted on 03/30/2013

Both comments were apart of an experiment for my research...one written insightfully...one written impulsively. Sorry for making you think twice, and then just thinking im a dick.

Lol I dont study it professionally, I study the universe. Surprisingly parent/child relationships are a powerful force within our societal evolution. While I may have plucked a few nerves, I hope that some of you take what I have to say with a grain of salt...even the first comment. Im only 18 after all, my opinions may change as I raise my own halflings. So no..im not mad at my mommy and taking it out on you. Im just opinionated and this blog offered an educational opportunity

Go team mom! From your friendly neighborhood researcher

Dove - posted on 03/30/2013

Maybe Evan has an evil twin that hijacked his account.....

Diane - posted on 03/30/2013

Evan. Sounds like you're one drink over the line mate! Early Easter celebrating or an alternate personality emerging? What happened with that second post? You're losing credibility.

Dove - posted on 03/30/2013

Evan... I read your first post and while I wanted to say something about the fact that you are a guy posting on a mother's site... your first post was well written and had some decent points (though I don't fully agree with you at all). After your second post though... shut the hell up and get out of here. lol

So.... you spend your life studying mother and son relationships.... is that because you are a bitter young man with your own Mommy issues? Gen Y and Z are doing more with less? No.... they are DOING less because they HAVE more. Get over yourself thinking you are an expert and take your own advice and get off the internet.

I'm sure my response to you will elicit a 'lovely' response, but I really don't care. I'm too sick to do much else at the moment anyway.

Evan - posted on 03/30/2013

To the moms
Shut heem down...shut heem down early. Kids need guidance...if your a mother and get a feeling of relief reading this site...your not winning any mom of year rewards...rather than googling "is minecraft dangerous for my 7 year old" and getting shuffled into this deck of neglectful parents..try googling "how can a relate to my seven year old" or try talking to your kid take an interest in there interests...if they have no interests..introduce them to your interests. If your interests arent appropriate for your five year old, id recommend reevaluating your whole life. No mother wants to be told their doing a bad job, but if your an active user of this pity wagon of mothers who can't see the resemblance toward their kids wanting to meet their friends on minecraft..and you wanting to meet yours at the pool hall, baseball diamond, or public park when you were a kid..I bet you can remember breaking down...because you didnt want to miss out on the fun. Nobody wants to see there kid have more fun than they got to as a kid...were sorry we truly are. Remember all that change that you gen X made..you had the numbers on your side...stop getting pissed off that generations y and z are doing more with less. Well be taking care of you, and the top heavy population pyramid..so show sone respect..unless you want our whoke generation to give you a big fat "too little too late"

Evan - posted on 03/30/2013

You know if I can be frank with everyone who took the time to post. Im a young man who studies families..specifically mother/son relationships. After reviewing the comments put forward from both parents and children...a common phenomena has emerged. Kids are challenging the advice of self moderation that parents impose. While parents are simply discrediting the opinions of children. I have played minecraft on occasion with my 10 year old cousin and have found the game to be very educational. The game teaches planning, Architecture, resource management, problem solving, and spacial awareness. Its much more educational than most rpg games like runescape and a much better alternative for kids than say call of duty or grand theft auto. Some of the parent responses are very disturbing. One mother actually discredited a younger member based on his grammatical errors "ever heard of a run on sentence" its not only malicious but self damadging. While children are immature and require guidance, and parental guidance is a most precious resource in this day and age. If a mother really wanted to turn there child off minecraft, she would have a laptop in her hands and follow her son around in the game as her own character. The worst that could happen is the two of you become closer..and better your relationship through cooperative play. But some mothers will be agitated I even have the nerve to post. Im not a mother afterall and lack formal education so therefore my opinions are valueless. The problem with this website is that mothers only want to talk to other mothers about the problem. But in most cases its about a mother/child problem. Ladies you know how a mothers supposed to think, but if you expect to resolve the problem you need to know how a kid thinks too. I beg of you, dont exclude children from your determining a solution about your children. Alot of kids are getting screwed up in this generation, and unfortunately their parents are the ones at fault. So why should the kids have to pay for your mistakes. Next time that kids screaming and cry because they hate "that stupid game" they hold so dear offer to help, instead of flying off the handle and grounding them. Youll be surprised how easy the problem was for you to solve, and you kids will revere you as a super hero. Isnt that what you wanted?

Diane - posted on 03/29/2013

Mary A Sexton
BRAVO!
Well done....you've made my day..lol

Cecilia - posted on 03/28/2013

I do not feel I overreact to it. I do not ban them from it. I restrict usage not only of this game but all games in my house. There are rules that need to be followed. More important things done before they are allowed free-time. As far as them not liking me. Too bad. I'm their mother not their friend.

Anonymous - posted on 03/28/2013

I really think that everyone in this post is overreacting. A lot of you are treating minecraft as some form of drug. It seems to have come to my attention that most, if not all of you haven't seen what minecraft is, I suggest googling it and watching some videos before you overreact and ban your kids from it. Let me tell you that's not a good idea, if you completely ban them from the game, the more they will want to play it and be rebellious, which could lead them to disliking you as a parent in the future.

Amy - posted on 03/28/2013

I have flagged the posts done by these rude children

Mary A - posted on 03/27/2013

I wonder if the "13 year old" has ever heard of a RUN ON SENTENCE? I sincerely appreciate all the Moms (The Real Moms that is) that post their concerns or comments on here. Whether they be ostentatious or modest in translation, if it is coming from an educated source (which could be of many natures of course) it's a consideration worth hearing. Otherwise, it is a mockery of what sites like these were designed for.
So, in final, I hope this message reaches all the necessary "MOTHERS" it is conducted towards! All others, I suggest your IMMEDIATE withdrawal from any association with this site and any others like it. In the event, of anyone with whom reads this post, that either of these words are too big for you to understand... THAT is your first sign to go back to recess you pubescent, teenybopper, doesn't have the slightest clue as to what you are even talking about, disrespectful, thank the heavens your "ADULT GUARDIANS" can still write you off on their taxes, JUVENILE! Don't forget, someone is ALWAYS watching, One may treat a person rudely, but beware of being rude to a scoundrel. Happy Easter...

Dove - posted on 03/25/2013

Arika, kids 'your' age... should NOT be posting on a mom's site. You having access to this site (though you don't specify your age) is part of the problem we are discussing. If you are a teenager/child.... do your parents know you posted on a MOM'S message board? Do you not understand that posting to critique the kids that have posted in defense of Minecraft makes you just as 'guilty'....?

Arika - posted on 03/25/2013

I am so ashamed of the kids my age that have posted stupid comments. I play minecraft, and I do not consider myself "addicted". To fix your problem you could try quality time with other things like going to the zoo or just going any where. Get him in to a after school activity, sports or an instrument to fill that time slot.

Cecilia - posted on 03/18/2013

I think maybe the problem with "some" of these cases of kids and video games might be the fact that they aren't being watched... Like some here. No I don't sit and stalk all 3 of my older children but i do have passwords to everything. If I try to log into their account and it's been changed that site will be blocked (from router) until the problem is resolved. Some people just should know what their children are up to and what sites they visit.

Liz - posted on 03/17/2013

Honestly we need to be able to report users, not just posts.

Diane - posted on 03/16/2013

No kidding Dove!!! It's infuriating. Why are these kids even on here?

Dove - posted on 03/15/2013

8? Kind of young to be a mother aren't you? Where the heck are some people's PARENTS?!

Julie - posted on 03/05/2013

My 11 year old TOLD ME he was "addicted" to Mine craft. The thing is, I don't let him play that often.
My boys have to "EARN SCREEN TIME" with equal amounts of physical exercise, or additional chorus on top of daily responsibilities. 15 MIN per chorus can be earned, and they can only play up to one hour at a time.
Play dates or "XBOX play dates, are a bit more flexible, but this gets them coming to me "Mom, what can I do to help"
Does he read 20 minutes a day? He should be, make that his first earned time, after 20 mins of reading, he can have 20 minutes of Minecraft
I set a timer...I find 30 minutes on the game is best, after an hour they get mood changes and aggravated. Just know you are not alone. get it under some control now, because I think it will only get worse into the teenage years

Cecilia - posted on 03/03/2013

My thought is why is a 13 year old on a parenting site? Is she a parent? If so, maybe your parents should not just allow you to do what you want. Also if you're a 13 year old parent, might want to lay off the video games a little. Or maybe you should have played them more to keep you inside... either way works.

Also, as mentioned, stay in school girl. you need to learn what a period is.

Dove - posted on 03/03/2013

This isn't a site for children. If your parents would start parenting you and they were monitoring your computer usage like they should... you wouldn't be ON here.... and we're supposed to take parenting advice from you? No thanks. Perhaps you should tell your parents to quit trying to be your friend and actually get your butt away from the computer and back in a book....

Diane - posted on 03/03/2013

Ms trolin.. At the age of 13 you should at least know what a "run on" sentence is.
If your gaming is so fantastic, please, by all means, return to them and let us parents continue to voice our concerns and comments about OUR CHILDREN.

Ms - posted on 03/03/2013

Games are not addicting I'm a 13 year old kid and I'm not addicted its how your raising your kid I mean think how can a game be addicting I play skyrim minecraft zelda and I'm not addicted I also am in 4-h and I am not addicted what you need to know is if your child is acting up its your falt not video games if video games were evil I wouldn't play em my mom plays video games and my dad plays and we are not addicted !! It makes me mad that y'all blame video games on why your children act up think about it!!!!!!!!

Amy - posted on 03/03/2013

Games are niot addicting ?! Do your research, maybe read up on the subject. My son is not lazy or fat. You are clueless

Ms - posted on 03/02/2013

Games are not addicting your all making a big deal out of it let your kids play but make sure they get what they need to be done my kids play video games they have good grades and they never act bad it's how your raising your kid if they are lazy and fat that's your falt not games !!! Thank you for reading!!!

Dove - posted on 02/27/2013

My goal is life has absolutely NOTHING to do with making my child happy. My goal in life is to raise relatively well rounded individuals who can make a decent life for themselves.... and hopefully teach them how to be content with life as they grow up. If they are happy as children TOO? That's a nice bonus, but kids are born to be self-centered and greedy... so, a lot of the time.... they aren't happy with a parent's decision and that is actually a GOOD sign that you are doing something right for their future.

Mary A - posted on 02/27/2013

I firmly agree with you Diane Brereton!!! I thought this sight was for concerned Moms..... or in "Dont need to know"(s) case..."MUMS!" Really just proves my point! :)

Diane - posted on 02/27/2013

Well, " don't need to know", I think you have proved our concerns.
You would do yourself better to put away minecraft and peruse a dictionary.

Dont Need To - posted on 02/27/2013

Wowwww You people thing that Minecraft is ADICTING trying to remove it.If you People tried to make your Kids Lives Better Then MABY you would get it.So I hate that people dont like Minecraft I have it since july 2012 and Im cant stand to hear this so.....and WHY are you telling this to the world about a VideoGame that has made almost a Billion Dollars?So How about you *MUMS* Start Making you kids happy!!!!

Mary A - posted on 02/27/2013

I firmly agree Amy Tilley, my daughter has been Minecraft free ever since my last post and things have gone back to normal. Every one is entitled to their own opinion, however, mine FIRMLY stands that the game is DANGEROUSLY addicting! Keep up the good work Moms!!!

Amy - posted on 02/27/2013

My son has been Minecraft free for almost 2 months now, I feel I made the right choice in completely removing it.

Dove - posted on 02/24/2013

If my child ever brought home two failed tests..... all electronics would be banned for a minimum of until the next passed test was brought home in those subjects.

Stick to the time limit that you are comfortable with and if he's not happy with that..... he doesn't have to play at all.

Sure.... kids can have fun, but when a GAME controls their lives so much that it gets to the point you all are mentioning.... it's not fun. It's an addiction and that isn't healthy for anyone.

Good luck all of you who are dealing with this issue and stay strong for your child's well being!

Kim - posted on 02/22/2013

Omg....I was pulling my hair out, wondering what happened to my well mannered social able kids?? Then I started questioning myself am I over reacting? So out of pure desperation I have just googled minecraft, and here I have landed. Oh thank goodness we are not alone. Last weekend my beautiful 12 year old son had a complete breakdown after I finally made the decision to remove the iPod so there's no more mine craft. I was shocked at the response. They way he reacted was not my son, they threw himself on the floor screaming and kicking shouting and swearing at me. I was utterly appalled at the language as I have never seen nor heard such a display. Shocked and shaken I rang the husband who works away to talk to him man to man to try and bring him back down to reality this took 2 hours, he then feel asleep. For the past week I swear he has been going thru withdrawals from this addiction... I feel terrible that I didn't pick up on this much sooner. We have come up with planned short sessions for the future of minecraft but after reading all these posts he will be very closely monitored. My other two chn play minecraft but could take it or leave it...thank goodness . Thank god were not alone..thanx mums for posting thought I was the worst mum in the world and completely losing my marbles and children.