<p>Hi, I am new to this site and try to read your posting as much as I can. I saw many kids are so mature compare with my 7th grade son, even he can maintain good grades, outstanding SSAT score and many activites, but I see he is so enjoy playing computer games. </p>
<p>Have you guys play it or not, how much time do you do? Do you spend a lot of time on facebook or chatting online with friends?</p>
<p>Facebook is too mainstream. But I do spend a good part of my free time on computer games/chatting online with friends. :)</p>
<p>We struggled with this too. We eventually set the following rules for our kids: NO video games Mon-Fri. OK on the weekends, but only AFTER homework is complete. No Facebook account until right toward the end of 8th grade. We found cellphone a necessity given busy logistics, but enforced the video game rule. Chats were OK, but again, only after homework is done.</p>
<p>Enemy,bostdad2,
Thanks for your feedback. How about those kids who has your own motivation to go to “great” school? Do you play computer games? Can you maintain your good score with playing game?</p>
<p>Video games aren’t all bad. A lot of my friends going to top schools, play video games. If your son is engaged in a lot of extracurricular activities and taking a heavy course load, video games can help him get rid of some of that stress. As long as it’s not in excess, playing video games here and there won’t hurt him.</p>
<p>Our DS, whom I would describe as a video game afficionado, says there simply isn’t time. Days, especially for freshman who, at most schools, have enforced study hours, lights-out, and internet shut-off times, are extremely busy and scheduled. DS says that sometimes the kids carve out a couple of hours on a Saturday to play group video games in the dorm, but that’s about it. He’s learned to live without gaming at school and looks forward to it at home.</p>
<p>Of course, he says, there are some kids who continue to play hard at the expense of school and are good at concealing what they are doing, but it can and does affect their performance. Kids make choices. It’s all about balance. A bit of play time isn’t going to hurt, but for those kids who are “addicted” to video games, the rigor of BS is going to force some withdrawal.</p>