Dr. Dobbers’ Good Advice

Dear Dr. Dobbers,

My 11-year-old son can’t concentrate! He doesn’t do his homework, and his teacher says he doesn’t pay attention in class. He spends all of his time playing World of Warcraft. I estimate that he spends six hours a day playing that game. I am not exaggerating! It may even be close to eight hours if he plays it after I go to sleep. I am worried that he will never graduate from high school if he doesn’t change his behavior.

Nervous Mother

 

Dear Nervous Mother,

He can concentrate! He is playing the same game for eight hours a day! That shows his great concentration ability. The real problem is that Warcraft is more fun than homework. If you want him to stop playing Warcraft, delete the game! Then he will have six to eight hours of free time every day. You can give him two options to spend the time: housework or homework. He will be very mad at you in the beginning, but he will do his homework (and some housework, too). You can put Warcraft on the computer again after two weeks but with limitations. If he does one hour of homework and one hour of housework, then he can play Warcraft for one hour. He’ll concentrate on school more, and your house will be cleaner!

Dr. Dobbers