Managing Computer Game Addictions in College

Parents Forum Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
1

<p>My DS has been diagnosed with ADHD since 2nd grade, but never had accommodations nor a 504, as he has performed well in school (although he did start on medications in 10th grade and took occasionally during the school years). Now that he will be attending college without his reminder system (me!), I am concerned his absent minded professor habits will wreak havoc and create stress. I am considering going through the college process to get him extra time on tests as he never seems to finish most of them (just xmas-trees them at the end, as he says).</p>

<p>He has absolutely no sense of time, especially when he is on the computer. He loves to play strategy games and does not pace himself. I am concerned he will have too many temptations and not enough time management controls to keep him off the computer when he is away at school.</p>

<p>I would appreciate feedback on my two scenarios:</p>

<p>1) Require DS to leave his gaming computer at home and use his laptop as his sole pc. (Laptop does not have the graphic card or sound card to allow the high end games to play, but will allow internet games and some low-end games to play)</p>

<p>2) Allow the gaming computer at school, in hopes that a time/place mechanism will force DS to recognize that while he is at the desk using the desktop computer, he is NOT studying, and conversely that when he needs to study he should use the laptop and sit on the bed.</p>

<p>He will have a roommate, so I imagine he won't be able to keep up the late hours with the surround sound booming! And he is a bright kid who loves to learn (just doesn't like to study and is overly optimistic about his knowledge retention!) So I don't doubt that he will do well in college.
I just want him to do the best that he is able!</p>

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<p>This is a tough one. Freshman year is a time when a student can set the stage for high achievement or irrecoverably destroy your GPA based on the choices they make. </p>

<p>In my opinion, if you are shelling out the $ for college, you call the shots. I would definitely try to limit temptation, as there is already a ton of it on most campuses. I've seen far too many kids wash out on their first try at college in a flurry of partying or gaming.</p>

<p>Send the laptop with him, maybe with the gaming PC monitor and keyboard/mouse. You don't need a new graphics card to type your papers or do research. In addition, encourage him to get out there and find student organizations that interest him. If he's busy with school and is involved on campus, you find that you don't have time to waste away on video games. I'd also get him going with a concrete plan to manage his time that he can use to budget it appropriately - can be as simple as a paper planner. Just get him in the habit of using it. There are often resources on campus that can help with time management skills - sometimes through the university, sometimes through student organizations. </p>

<p>I used to be the type of guy who spent way too much time frittering away on the PC playing games. Once I got to college, I found the first week that if I wanted to stay in college, I better get my act together. I actually quit gaming cold turkey until I graduated, as I found other ways to occupy my time (fraternity, professional organizations, etc.)</p>