ADHD and video game addiction is a hot topic among parents.
On one hand, video games are harmless entertainment, and can even be educational at times.
Playing video games can improve hand-eye coordination, analytical skills, and pave the way for social opportunities.
Kids who have no interest in sports can use video games to engage in healthy competitions and form friendships with fellow gamers.
However, video games also have the potential to be addictive; children can easily sacrifice studies, physical exercise, and other social activities for more time in front of the screen.
Recent studies show that the average child spends 49 minutes a day playing video games; this number increases drastically for handheld games or consoles placed in the bedroom.
Children with ADHD are particularly attracted to the appeal of video games.
It's not uncommon for an inattentive and distractible child to display hours of hyperfocus while playing a game.
Video games are a fun outlet for children with self-esteem problems because the console is emotionally safe.
For instance, if a child strikes out while playing baseball, he makes the mistake in front of a crowd, his peers, and the coach.
But if a child's avatar "dies" in a video game, he can simply try again; no one has to know.
In fact, making these mistakes paves the way for improvements, at least in the game.
The child learns specific actions that need to be taken to reach the next level.
There is also satisfaction to be found in defeating an enemy or finishing a game.
As you can see, gaming is a mixed bag, especially since kids with ADHD do not know how to self-regulate.
Thus, it is your job as a parent to set limitations when it comes to video game time.
You and your partner must agree on a set of rules so that one parent does not accidentally encourage more play time.
Should homework be done first, or should video games be forbidden during school nights? How about games on the Internet or on Facebook? Which ones are okay? Talk to your child and explain the rules and how they should be enforced.
For instance, you've decided to allow your daughter 45 minutes of game playing on school nights.
The only condition is that she has to do her homework and finish her chores before you hand over the console.
It might help to keep the console with you at times when gaming is not allowed.
When you give the console to your child, remind her about the time limit.
Then use a timer or an alarm clock to signal the end of video game playing time.
Consider stepping in from time to time with ten or five-minute warnings.
If your child complies with the time limits, you can reward her with five more minutes of extra play time the next week.
Emphasize that the more your child complies, the more minutes she can earn.
But if she refuses to give up the game despite your warnings and the alarm's signal, calmly remind your child about the rules.
Announce that for every minute she plays, one minute will be subtracted from her video game playing time tomorrow.
Keep the console in your bedroom so that your child won't sneak in a few hours of playtime during bed.
Regulating your child's gaming time is more challenging during summer and winter breaks; after all, there's no homework to be done! Look for a class or activity your child is interested in, one that will allow him or her to step out into the world and develop other skills.
Consider a nature club, a summer dance class, or swimming lessons.