My teen is constantly on his xbox. Literally all day. He is 13 years old. I try to limit the amount of time he is on it to an hour a day but there is literally nothing else to do because our state is mostly shut down. He has all A’s in school and does all of his chores without being asked. Should I just let him do what he wants?
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Congrats to him maintaining A’s during this time. If you want to limit his time give him tnings to do by himself such as crafts or help him find a hobby. You also have to be available to him as well. I try to go out for a walk, bike ride, play basketball and just joke around with my children. Good luck!
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I would it’s his way of destressing. My 11 yr old stays on his Xbox or his gaming PC. That’s where all his friends are… I hear him laughing and talking to all his friends all day after school or on the weekends. It’s socializing without socializing. When he starts getting worked up by a game then I stop him make him go for a walk or just hang out with us. 
in a world where we can’t hang out with friends right now it’s a way for them to stay connected.
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He is probably bored. Not a whole lot else to do during a pandemic. Just make sure the screen time doesn’t mess with his sleep, eyes, or posture 
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Yes he’s fine
Sounds bored & intelligent (As are a great thing, he earned it)
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He sounds like a great kid. Leave him be…but always be watchful
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I would still limit it . I didn’t and should have . My son played sports all the time and had homework and also played with neighbors . But , when home , he played games . They overstimulate the brain , can be violent and cause anger issues . Rages etc . I shouldn’t have let him okay those games for more than 30
Minutes a day .
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He could be doing something much worse…im so happy my 14 yo rather play his game than run the streets …let him be
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Yes, except he must read an hour a day
If he has straight A’s let that child the heck alone! What else do you want him to be doing?
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If it’s not affecting your son then let him play. Probably why he is so well adjusted
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I think it’s still important to get him to switch up his routine. Maybe go to a park, go for a walk, watch movies together. My kids are well behaved too but I try to do different activities to hopefully aide brain development. Lmao that’s just what I think though. They play with toys, we sit and talk, go for walks and sometimes just walk around at the grocery stores 
.
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Hey he is passing in school so there is no harm in video games. It’s probably the only social time he gets with people outside of the house. He seems like a good kid with his priorities straight so I wouldn’t worry about it. He is just coping as best as he knows how
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Maybe increase his time until things open up again? Possibly in one hour sessions? 2 or more time a day. He sounds like a great kid and would understand his time going back when life is more normal.
As a teen who grew up doing the same thing:
Theres something hes escaping from. Whether it be life in general or issues with dad, usually gaming constantly is a form of escapism as well as a hobby.
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It’s tough right now because of covid. I have just let that go for the time being
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I am always on my ps5 and I’m 33 
we are a gaming family so it’s one of Those things but my 13 and 15 year old also know they need to do other things usually we not get on til the sun goes down especially in the summer.
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Do you have a yard? Send him outside
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same with my 16 year old son…he’s on his phone and ipod all day but he’s in the high honor roll in school…so i’m not sure if i should limit time on his gadgets
Shoot honestly yes. My son is almost they exact same way. He’s a great kid and very smart. Sometimes it irritates me but you know what. I don’t play video games but I watch tv. Life is just kinda crappy right now and if it makes him feel occupied during this mess what’s really wrong with it. 
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Although I see everyone’s point on “he has straight A’s so let him be” she could also be doing other activities with him within her home that helps him learn, stay off the game and have fun it’s a win win!
Back yard games can be fun but you have to know your child to know what’s best for him/her and the activities they would be interested in💛
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Definitely no harm in switching his routine up a bit.
Go for a walk, play a board game.
We’re all definitely feeling the effects from this pandemic now. Lockdowns are absolutely zero fun, especially for a teenager!!
Could this be a possible way he’s staying in touch with friends?
I couldn’t imagine being a teen during all of this.
It’s hard enough as an adult with 3 littles, never mind as a teen where friends and social outings are a big part of your growing up.
If hes managing to do everything he needs to and isnt slacking I would say let him. Lol dont mess with a good thing! Good grades does chores definately worth letting him play the games, especially if you know that’s all hes doing online.
If you wanted to limit it in anyway, I’d have a cut off time in the evening so it’s easier for him to sleep. Screen time is super stimulating and not great for before sleep. Lol we shouldn’t even scroll on the phones before bed … *totally doing exactly that right now…
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Maybe ask him to partake in family time throughout the week but let him play. Sounds like a great kid stick in lock down.
My son is 8 years old and he’s on he’s Xbox to all the time but wen I say it’s time to do something it’s time or else … but other then that he is good wen I tell him to listen to me wen it’s time to do things around
As long as his grades are good and his chores are done, leave him be. It’s a hobby, just like reading or building things, and tbh, isnt much different than watching TV. Try getting him a Konnect and some gf games for it. You have to move around and be physical with those
If he dose he chores an has straight As let him be,
Iv seen worse from my brother he doesn’t do anything but sit on game eat sleep n shower
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Yes. At most, make sure he’s taking regular eye strain breaks, but if he’s making good grades, doing what you ask of him otherwise, and taking care of himself, I say let him have at it. He could be out doing drugs and getting into trouble. We’re all having a hard time right now. For a lot of us, video games are a huge stress reliever. Let him do what he feels he needs to to be okay.
Yes but encourage little breaks, like at supper time or take him for a drive or walk.
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Let him have his time we have with our lad ,does his work on time did every live lesson , right now it’s the only way of talking to friends mine will be back to routine next week when school open again x
I’ve seen it explained it as it’s the only contact they get with their friends outside of school and that it helps them not feel so alone during all of this isolation. Before the pandemic I’d be all for getting him off the Xbox but honestly I’d let him play. It’s the only normal thing he has for himself right now. Once your state opens again definitely reevaluate it though.
Don’t punish him for doing well. This is the only socialization that these kids are getting now, some of the most important people in my life I met through gaming.
I think it’s ok as long as he’s still being responsible still and still present in real life and not depressed. We play video games alot in our family but we don’t stay on all day. We play for 2-3 hours and then we go outside walking, fishing or going to families or friends house. I think it’s a place for him to socialize with friends but that doesn’t mean he needs to be on all night either. He still needs to sleep and eat, and go and do normal things. But a few hours a day I don’t think is that bad. In my opinion but your the mom and if you think it’s a problem and affecting him negativly then I hope it can be fixed for both of you !
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But every once in awhile we will stay playing all day because there is nothing else to do or like if it’s raining
Wow. My kids have all As, do all their chores without being asked, and are all-around great kids too but if I let them have as much screentime as they wanted, they’d be glued to the screen nearly all day every day. Limits are good for kids! Mine get 1 hour a day on weekdays and no more than 4 hours on the weekend, and that’s plenty! The rest of their time is spent doing things as a family or doing other things they enjoy (art, music, outdoor activities, visiting friends, etc). Don’t let the quarantine or anything else guilt you into giving your son free reign with the xbox. It’s scientifically proven that screens are as addictive as drugs…it’s not good for kids to sit and stare at a screen for long periods of time-we should all know this. States are beginning to drop social restrictions and open back up now, so your son will be able to do more with his friends really soon.
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My 15 yr old son is the same way. It is either video games or you tube videos, but as long as his school work and chores are done, I let him because I see other 15 year old boys in my city, doing drugs, getting girls pregnant and even into gang activities or out stealing . My son also works at Wendy’s on the weekends for 8 hours Saturday and sunday so I am happy that he chooses to play video games on his free time.
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Leave him be, he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. The issue with too much screen time lies in not being able to take care of responsibilities. He has a proper balance that works for him. If you mess with it he may just say, “screw it” and stop doing the things you enjoy about him. If his responsibilities are taken care of, so let him enjoy his free time the way he wants. He’s keeping himself entertained, leave him alone
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We have game time and outsidr time and baking time. My son loves his ps4 and its the only socialization with kids for him right now. So I do let him play more then I did when things were opened and he could be with his friends in person. He does school at home and spends time with the family. Id take a bit of his day and have him do something else with you and your family. But due to covid and shutdowns etc its really the only way kids can socialize with other kids
Leave well enough alone.
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Chores done A s in school let him have his time on xbox
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Like everyone else said:
As long as he is not neglecting his responsibilities or his health; he is still occasionally socializing in person with the people available to him; he is playing age appropriate games and understands they are fictional scenarios, and you monitor who he is talking to/playing with during the game to ensure he’s not in touch with any seedy characters who might lead him astray or put him in real life danger – let him do what he wants.
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At least he aint outside getting into trouble, getting gangs, doing drugs,essing with other people. Be happy he is doing something which wont cost him his future
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Any socialization is good for all of us
As long as gamers ( video , table top or phone ) are responsible and doing our jobs and don’t ignore our family and friends who do not play games , let them be .
Some people can only eat , sleep and talk about gaming …
If meeting his chores and school work, I would add some physical exercise, then let him alone
As long as they are doing good on their own get some you time!
If hes taking care of his responsibilities I let him play. It’s how my husband connects with his friends so I let him play whenever he wants.
Honestly yeah, just let him play. As long as he seems happy and his grades are good I don’t see why not. Also it happens to me, but he probably just really got into a game he likes. Hell have a burnout of it at some point 
Yea. Leave him be, he’s obviously a good kid. He’s just unwinding.
If he is doing his chores, and a straight A student let him have the Xbox. It’s not harming him or you. I would sit down with him and say if his grades drop or he doesn’t do his chores then he looses Xbox privileges
Would you rather him be out there doing illegal things? Let the kid stay home and game out where he’s safe!
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I wish my 13 year old had As and did his chores during this pandemic. I wouldn’t be so mad at him for playing his game so much. Mine does play a game that he plays with friends so he’s socializing during this pandemic. But he does go outside some times. Didn’t during winter though but now that its getting nicer he’s been going out a little.
If he’s getting straight As and doing chores than I don’t see a problem why not let him as long as he’s doing well in school and chores he deserves game time
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For me, if my kids were doing what they were supposed to do and getting great grades then yes I’d let them be. The way I look at it is that they could be doing a hell of alot of other things that could be alot more harmful or more dangerous. I guess for me it comes down to picking your battles. You know were and what their doing.
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If hes not lacking in school or helping at home I’d leave him for the most part. Most adults spend 90% of their day on the internet or their phone… I’d still ask him if he’d like to do other things such as watch a movie or play a game together, or just get out of the house for a while but I wouldnt really push the issue.
If it isn’t affecting his grades,then let him be on it. Geez
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Just let him play. If he wasnt doing his chores or doing good in school it would totally be a different story. Ur state is shut down so what else is there for him to do?
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Pick your battles. These kids are a different breed and seriously lack imagination. Our fault. Should’ve never put em in front of screens to begin with. HELP him find something else he likes to do. I’m stuck in the same spot eith my teens. We are experimenting with new things to try and find ways to reconnect. They feel there’s nothing to do but the game stations.
If he has straight As and does all his chores there’s literally no way he’s on it all day though.
If he is doing great in school does everything he is ask if let that child be he could be out gerti g I to trouble but nope all he does is gaming
If he is getting good grades and doing everything asked of him, his time is his time. He’s not out smoking weed and robbing stores, he’s a kid playing a game. He’s probably bored and if he’s mature enough to take care of all his responsibilities, there’s no reason that I could think of why he shouldn’t be on. If he weren’t handing his responsibilities I’d say take the hdmi cord. Lol
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What would you rather him be doing? I don’t mean that to be snotty. But is he not spending any time with family? Im assuming his friends play online w him?
It’s the new way to communicate and hang with friends these days, they’re growing up with this pandemic that we never had to deal with. My daughter does the same and also FaceTimes her friends and they just sit on the phone for hours and “hangout” … its becoming the new norm…
That’s how my brother was when we was growing up. I’d say it’s normal teenage behavior. As long as it’s not distracting him from his school work and such I’d say hes ok. Just maybe take a break every so often to get some sunlight lol
I have a son who is the same. Good grades, keeps up on chores, is employed. On the playstation constantly. I give him breaks by having him help with meals. I also occasionally simply boot him outside to play with his siblings. My biggest concern about it is the lack of vitamin d. But as long as kiddo gets good outside time, I don’t really limit his gaming.
If he does his chores and gets straight A’s then I don’t see an issue. If he were to slack off and start failing school then ask this question again.
I mean if all his chore are done an he gets all As just let him play but if he starts slipping in class work or chores then that’s different
My 12 year old spends a lot of time on his Xbox. But he is on there chatting with kids he knows from school so I don’t stress about it. I would feel differently if it was only online friends, but he sees these kids daily, had sleep overs with them on weekends etc. In our day, teenagers hogged the phone. Today, they socialize over video games chats. And like most boys his age, chores have to be reminded daily. And he is a solid C student with an A in gym class.
I’m an active gamer. If he’s doing all his chores and maintains his grades, just let him be. I’d ask him if he plays with other people online as it might be his way of connecting with others since school is shut down. If you want to engage with him, ask what he does in game with his online friends. Just make sure he sits correctly with good posture and he takes breaks for eye strain if he complains about it. Maybe switch up stuff by getting the family out to go on walks occasionally
He’s doing good so far so I wouldn’t try to limit it as a bad thing. Try to get him into some other things. Has he mentioned anything else he is interested in? Is he self motivated? What about an instrument? Guitar is really easy to learn with a little patience. Try to inspire a new hobby without making it seem like a punishment.
if doing good in school and whats expected of him at home dont worry about it. but if not listing or doing whats expected then take away till does whats expected.
Smh sounds like you’re just looking for a reason to piss a good kid off
Sounds like he’s working hard to earn the Xbox time. As long as he’s excelling in school and doing his chores, let him play. His interest will eventually change and he’ll be over the video games
I also have a 13 year old son with straight A’s. He is an awesome kid and does what he is told. With it being winter and a pandemic idc how much he plays his xbox as long as his school is finished.
During the summer it’s different because he is outside a lot playing in the pool and we go camping and hiking a lot. We do a lot if exploring and adventuring that we can’t really do right now with the weather and the pandemic. He isn’t addicted and he doesn’t act like boo boo the fool when he is told to get off of the xbox so I’m good with it.
As an adult that likes to game and socialize with My Friends through gaming when I get down time, I say let Him keep doing what He is doing. His grades are great. He is doing everything you ask Him to do. Right now with the pandemic its hard to get together. At least online gaming He can be with his friends without physically being with them. They can still talk and have fun. He seems like a great kid.
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If you want him to spend less time on it, then make him get off. There is no “try”. You are the parent. Good grades or not, in my opinion that much time on the Xbox is not okay.
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Girl if he does everything you ask of him without even being asked and you’re in lockdown, what’s the problem? Ideally not all day but at this point I’m not limiting as long as their things are all done. I do make it point to play board games and such with my kids tho, a few times a week and have them help with meals, evening walks when there’s not a ton of snow and things of that nature so they’re not just glued the whole time to the Xbox but when there’s not a bunch to do 
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I hate to say this but if he has all As and is keeping up with his chores and not being a total jerk. Meh, let the kid be.
Why not add a 30 minute workout to routine? Just to move more than at a leisure pace.
You’d feel good about him moving and then he benefits from it.
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It’s better Jim playing video games then out causing trouble
Same here with my daughter and the computer, but like your son, she does what I ask as far as cleaning and is an honor roll student so I just let her be. She knows if her grades drop things change as far as car as any electronics. Shes a bit older, 16. But I look at it like as least she isnt out running the streets.
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Maybe ask him if wants to go on a hike with you or get outside and go explorer. Every few days or so, hard to say, sounds like a great kid overall. But nothing wrong with getting some fresh air and letting your eyes rest a while. BOL.
Absolutely! My son needs to connect with other kids. He is not in social media as he has Aspergers and cannot get the jokes and sarcasm. He has many friends online and he’s is allowed to play as long as all his school work and chores are done
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Coming from someone who spent all her time as a teen gaming and all her free time now gaming, let him.
As long as he’s a good kid with good grades I don’t think it matters. I’ve learn so many small details and facts from video games it’s unreal, and it is a great form of socializing for me.
Hobbies are hobbies whether you think they’re a waste of time or not. (Not saying you think this, just saying)
There’s much worse he could be doing.
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My son is 16 he does same thing. He is cyber schooled so he can do work when he wants. But— my husband took him to work with him put him in an excavator (which my son never touched before) my husband said he is a pro. I said it has to be because of playing video games. He got the controls down because of that coordination. My husband and his boss are putting him in full time in summer to run equipment.
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My stepson is 17 and does this, and has since I came into the picture when he was 6! It doesn’t bother dad but it bothers me. A lot of times I’ll kick him out of the house and tell him to go find something productive to do with his life that day. He leaves… hangs around the corner with friends or goes for a bike ride. Either way he’s out getting fresh air. Maybe try that approach.
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Leave him be hes not in illegal gangs or doing bad stuff so why not
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Before covid I’d say to stop it and limit his time but now it’s literally the only way he can talk to his friends and play so I’d let him play. Maybe limit him on school days to a few hours after normal school hours to keep some sort of normal but other than that covid messed up alot
Same. But I make him hang out with the family sometimes. Great kid!!!
We have 3 teens it’s normal…as long as his grades are good, he’s doing what’s asked…let him socialize how kids do these days…through gaming! When it’s nice get him outside with ya 
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As long as he has his grades up and does chores around the house, I don’t see why not.
You said it your self he gets good grades and does his chores with out asking I don’t see the issue he can’t be with friends and the world is basically shut down he needs some thing to entertain himself might not be a educational thing but he sounds like a good kid and right now life is stressful for everyone even the kids I say let him be it’s a place for him to decompress while he plays as long as it’s not an addiction so be it…good mom your doing amazing 
!
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I would let him! Maybe stretch it to 2 hours a day since there’s nothing you can take him to do. But maybe still take him out like for a hike or walk once or twice a week if you can. Make him leave his phone at home and just walk with him so you know he’s getting fresh air and exercising a little bit.
I would try to find more activities to do together an play outside an whatnot. You dnt want him to grow up an only play video games because then he won’t have good relationships
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If he’s doing his chores and doing well in school then leave him alone.
If he’s keeping up with his school assignments and his chores are done, why bother him??
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Yes leave him alone. When he stops getting good grades or his chores then put a limit to it
Rather xbox then out on the streets getting into trouble
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Shit he does everything and doesn’t need to be asked
My husband’s 11 year old won’t even do anything without giving a fight about it
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