Blog
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...
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...
Should the Government or Parents Control Children’s Online Access ?
As a screen addiction coach, I am deeply concerned about the impact that social media can have on children. In recent years, there has been growing evidence that social media companies are using children's personal information to target them with advertisements, which...
The Denial of Video Gaming Addiction
Your child is losing weight or perhaps they are gaining weight. They may be failing out or not even attending school. Your child spends hours up at night yelling and screaming at their screen, frustrated with the game that’s not going their way. Or they’re laughing...
How Can Fitness Help my Gaming Addicted Child?
I’m not a gym person. I don’t like working out. I don’t have time for fitness. I don’t know what to do with all those weight machines. I’d rather play video games. These are the types of responses I often hear from my clients, my video gaming disordered teenagers and...
Screen-Free Holidays Gift Ideas for Kids
The holiday season is upon us, and many parents are looking for children’s gifts that can create more time offline, and perhaps even provide more family time. Many children may have only known screen time games and social media as their main source of entertainment....
The ADHD Brain and The Addicted Gamer – Is there a link?
As a family coach, I would say that about 90% of my Disordered (Addicted) Gamers I work with also have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The primary characteristics of someone with ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and for some, hyperactivity. Often...
Why an Unruly, Belligerent, and Addicted Child Needs Empathy and Kindness the Most
When a child is addicted to video games, they can become a different person - one a parent no longer recognizes. They may stop grooming, eat poorly, often while alone in their room, spend their nights in front of their screen, and sleep all day. They may become...