My son is home from law school and sits in the kitchen playing Warcraft most of the day and well into the night. He isn't looking for a summer job and seems listless but in fairly good spirits. I noticed on his browser that he visited a gaming addiction site. Should I try to talk to him about gaming addiction? We have a very good relationship. I've been in denial about this obsessive gaming until now. Scary stuff.
I don't think it would be harmful to simply make an off-hand comment like, "You sure spend a lot of time on that game. What is the attraction?" Perhaps if he feels like you've opened up the lines of communication in a non-accusatory fashion it will lead to something further. Do you know how the grades are going? I wonder if perhaps he realizes that his attention to things outside the game is lacking.
From what you say, it seems that your son has an addiction problem, at least to a certain extent. A Also, the fact that he visited a gaming addiction site implies that he also at least suspects that he has a problem. A I suggest that you do broach the topic with him as he may be embarrassed, or even in some denial, to bring the topic up himself. A Since you say that you have a good relationship, if this is done tactfully I don't think that you have very much to lose, but possibly a lot to gain. A After all, like almost all other problems, they are easiest to treat when they are still relatively new, before they have a chance to really take full effect. As you can see from this site, there is a lot of support here if you and/or your son need it. A Good luck in however the two of you try to deal with this issue.
- John O.
[em]Carpe Diem![/em] (Seize the Day!)
Welcome Mercury. Yes, bring up the subject. Did he just get his report card? (Do they even get report cards in law school?) Perhaps it's poor grades that have got him thinking that maybe there's a problem. Obviously something did. Do a little reading here before you do so you have a pretty good idea of what he might be dealing with. This addiction is like nothing I've ever seen before and somewhat difficult to understand at first. Send him here if he agrees there's a problem. Good luck!
"Small service is true service while it lasts. Of humblest friends, bright creature! scorn not one
The daisy, by the shadow that it casts,
Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun." -------William Wordsworth
Like others said, bringing up the subject in a casual and friendly way, maybe showing you are concerned is a good way to get it started ...