Fornite.
What did you think the F word was going to be? Sorry, but honestly, that is a word that may create the same cringed face most of us have when we hear the F word that has a very foul meaning. This is a real quick story about what I am dealing with at home with two boys that are complete ADDICTS to this game.
When I say addicted I truly mean it. If given the opportunity, both my boys would never leave the game. Their weekends revolve around it. If you were to ask them what paradise is they might say..."Never leaving Fortnite, ordering carry-in that delivers up to the room just to avoid not stopping their game, and a controller that allows me to play during bathroom breaks." I have a strange feeling someone has worn adult diapers playing, just a guess. I have coffee therapy sessions with a friend that also is living with a Fortnite addict.
A few months ago, I was at the end of my tolerance with Fortnite. Both boys were arguing about turns. "Mom, if you would just let us play during the week it wouldn't be this bad, we are making up for lost time over the weekend". Both boys chimed in to tell me this, like somehow it is my fault they argue over who gets to play. They have other tactics too. They both form an alliance and team up on both my husband and I. Divide and conquer is what I believe to be their favorite.
Then one day I was listening to an interview with John Medina, author of Brain Rules. He said, "My mother surrounded me with the things I loved. As my interest changed so did the things I loved around me." or something like that. This got the wheels turning. I am going about this all wrong. I need to get into this Fortnite and join them.
That day we had our annual family day. Both boys got to pick where they wanted to go that the whole family could join in. Not surprising to me at all, both boys picked eBash. Remember the alliance? If you don’t know what eBash is, then just imagine multiple gaming systems playing Fortnite. “Ok, we will go. But...you have to teach me how to play. Who is up for the challenge?"
My oldest son took me under his wing. Setup the game, then had me practice what he explained. That is when I quickly realized I was in a "Hunger Games" type game. It even had a storm, a map, etc... Being the problem solver I am, hiding out till everyone was dead was my strategy. Not bad to die number 11 for my first Fortnite game. My oldest did explain that he and his friends were protecting me. I thought that was nice.
I enjoyed using my axe to destroy buildings, wood boxes, cars, anything that wasn't people. At one point, I had an audience of 9 year olds watching me game. "Wow, my uncanny Fortnite strategies can amuse 9 year olds and help them overcome their addition." is what I thought to myself. My youngest one became protective so I had to tell him, "Don't worry, it isn't hurting my feelings, they are paying to watch me. I honestly find it amazing that what I am doing is more interesting to them than gaming themselves." Then he shrugged and agreed.
The gaming family day didn’t resolve the issues but it did help me understand and connect a little better with them. Both boys really didn’t want to help train me how to get better. I can’t blame them. They would have one more person to share with. I have sat and watched them play and have a sense of how skilled they are.
I still am trying to find the best way to help the addiction not get worse. The hubby and I had a breakfast intervention with the oldest. The gaming system was taken out of the bedroom and placed downstairs in our living room. Then it was placed back in our oldest’s bedroom and will remain as long as the two hour rotations continue without arguments. Present day, I get to hear some pretty sweet bribes. Just yesterday my oldest offered the youngest his French fries if he could game right at that moment.
During our spring break my oldest stayed home to game with his buddies. I was actually thankful, at least he wasn’t at the underage drinking party that included a horrific accident. Things could have been worse than the F word.
What did you think the F word was going to be? Sorry, but honestly, that is a word that may create the same cringed face most of us have when we hear the F word that has a very foul meaning. This is a real quick story about what I am dealing with at home with two boys that are complete ADDICTS to this game.
A few months ago, I was at the end of my tolerance with Fortnite. Both boys were arguing about turns. "Mom, if you would just let us play during the week it wouldn't be this bad, we are making up for lost time over the weekend". Both boys chimed in to tell me this, like somehow it is my fault they argue over who gets to play. They have other tactics too. They both form an alliance and team up on both my husband and I. Divide and conquer is what I believe to be their favorite.
Then one day I was listening to an interview with John Medina, author of Brain Rules. He said, "My mother surrounded me with the things I loved. As my interest changed so did the things I loved around me." or something like that. This got the wheels turning. I am going about this all wrong. I need to get into this Fortnite and join them.
That day we had our annual family day. Both boys got to pick where they wanted to go that the whole family could join in. Not surprising to me at all, both boys picked eBash. Remember the alliance? If you don’t know what eBash is, then just imagine multiple gaming systems playing Fortnite. “Ok, we will go. But...you have to teach me how to play. Who is up for the challenge?"
My oldest son took me under his wing. Setup the game, then had me practice what he explained. That is when I quickly realized I was in a "Hunger Games" type game. It even had a storm, a map, etc... Being the problem solver I am, hiding out till everyone was dead was my strategy. Not bad to die number 11 for my first Fortnite game. My oldest did explain that he and his friends were protecting me. I thought that was nice.
I enjoyed using my axe to destroy buildings, wood boxes, cars, anything that wasn't people. At one point, I had an audience of 9 year olds watching me game. "Wow, my uncanny Fortnite strategies can amuse 9 year olds and help them overcome their addition." is what I thought to myself. My youngest one became protective so I had to tell him, "Don't worry, it isn't hurting my feelings, they are paying to watch me. I honestly find it amazing that what I am doing is more interesting to them than gaming themselves." Then he shrugged and agreed.
The gaming family day didn’t resolve the issues but it did help me understand and connect a little better with them. Both boys really didn’t want to help train me how to get better. I can’t blame them. They would have one more person to share with. I have sat and watched them play and have a sense of how skilled they are.
I still am trying to find the best way to help the addiction not get worse. The hubby and I had a breakfast intervention with the oldest. The gaming system was taken out of the bedroom and placed downstairs in our living room. Then it was placed back in our oldest’s bedroom and will remain as long as the two hour rotations continue without arguments. Present day, I get to hear some pretty sweet bribes. Just yesterday my oldest offered the youngest his French fries if he could game right at that moment.
During our spring break my oldest stayed home to game with his buddies. I was actually thankful, at least he wasn’t at the underage drinking party that included a horrific accident. Things could have been worse than the F word.
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