Blog
Understanding the Emotional Needs of Your Addicted Gamer
If you’re a parent of an addicted gamer, you understand the emotional upheaval this can create in your home. Children often communicate their emotions through their behaviours. These emotions range from irritability or sadness, isolation or clinginess, to full on...
Self-care & Rest for Parents of Disordered Gamers
Having a self-care practice, that includes rest, is crucial when dealing with an addicted child because it allows parents to maintain their own physical, emotional, and mental well-being amidst the challenges and stressors of supporting their child through addiction....
The Thrill of Gaming: Exploring Why Video Gaming and Esports Competition Captivate Children and Young Adults
Parents I speak with are often bewildered as to why their child wants to play so many hours of video games. And what’s even more astounding for them to understand is why their gamer watches other gamers play online in tournaments. Many gamers also love to attend...
Parents, Is it Difficult to Establish Boundaries with Your Addicted Gamer?
When coaching families struggling with a video gaming addicted child, I find that sometimes my strategies are met by parents who have great difficulty trying to establish and maintain boundaries. Opening a dialogue about gaming addiction can be met with resistance,...
Thank you for all of your support
We are coming near the end of 2023, a very busy year for me in terms of speaking engagements and business travel. And an active year spent getting to know many families, mental health practitioners, and even those in the esports industry. In 2024 I am committed to a...
Esports – Addiction or A Passion for Much More?
In the not-so-distant past, gaming was confined to living rooms and basements. Now, esports has evolved from a niche subculture to a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and attracting significant investments. But to many parents of compulsive and addicted...
Unpacking In-Game Purchases: A Guide for Parents
If you’re a parent of a video gamer, you have likely taken notice of either your own or your child’s monthly bank statement or credit card tally showing in-game purchases. Some of these transactions are for smaller amounts, while others may be larger, but regardless,...
So Your Child Wants to be A Professional Gamer. What Are the Risks?
Your child loves to play video games. They will dedicate hours upon hours to hone their gaming skills. And they believe they are going to make a career of gaming in Esports. Your child believes they will be the next top-earning Esports star. As a parent, you may be...
Back to School Fears – Guest Blogger, Tessa Kampen
Do you have a family member going to school? Or maybe, you are getting ready to head back to the classroom yourself to teach or continue your education? I have two children going off to high school, and I want to make sure I notice the signs of fears being...
Filling the Void: Unraveling the Emotional Hunger of Addictive Video Gaming
In recent years, video gaming has evolved from a mere pastime to a captivating and immersive experience. For many gamers, it provides an escape from the pressures and anxieties of daily life, offering a world where they can become the heroes of their own adventures....
Battling Video Gaming Addiction: The Vitality of Seeking Professional Help and Support Systems
The evolution of technology has gifted us with numerous innovative forms of entertainment, and one such medium that has gained immense popularity is video gaming. While gaming can be a source of fun, relaxation, and even social connection, it can also become a...
The Importance of Parenting with Structure, Rules, and Boundaries
When I am speaking with families who are struggling with a video gaming or screen addicted child, at times, I find a parent who has difficulty implementing rules and following through with consequences. These parents tell me that they don’t want to damage what appears...