My 10-year-old grandson is playing M-rated video games and his parents don’t seem to mind–what can I do?

Michael Rich, MD, MPH Q:My ten year old grandson is seemingly addicted to his Xbox and is allowed to play M-rated games. On weekend he spends hours on end playing. He becomes very defensive when you call him. His room has become his dungeon and his parents allow it, I guess to keep him out of their hair! Any advice? ~ Exasperated over Xbox, Rockaway Park, NY  A: Dear Exasperated, Your question highlights a very common issue with raising children in today’s digital domain—namely, that different attitudes and rules about media use can be a source of much tension, not only between “digital native” children and their “digital immigrant” parents, but also between parenting and grand-parenting generations. Rest assured that you are not the first grandparent to disagree with parenting choices made by their children for their grandchildren – and it may not be possible to convince your children that you have a better idea. Still, there may be way to communicate about this issue that can help. Offer your observations in a way that is loving toward your grandson, respectful to his parents, and as objective as possible, in a way that shows your understanding of the many demands on the parents of a school-age child. Try talking to your grandson’s parents about your concerns for his health and happiness, at times when the outcomes of his gaming behaviors, rather than the gaming itself, are the issue at hand (like when he won’t come out of his room to come to dinner). In...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: All posts Ask the Mediatrician video games Violent video games Source Type: news