Now, I understand that you and/ or your spouse may very well be adult video game addicts yourselves (trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of them during my stint as a PC repair guy for six years: “Hurry! I need it fixed so I can play W.O.W.! I need to play W.O.W now!”), but you must remain resolute and resourceful. I know it can be done; I’m a recovering video game addict myself.
What I want is for your kids to read my stories rather than waste away in front of the TV or screen. Mindless escapism is one thing, but escapism into the realm of literature is something totally different. It strengthens the mind while at the same time strengthening the imagination and knowledge. Moreover, since I doubt that any of them have their own credit cards required to purchase my ebooks online, I need you to buy them for your kids.
Of course, there’s a catch: YOU NEED TO BE THE PARENT!
Not only am I speaking from experience as an ex-video game addict turned writer, I’m also a papa to four kids, three of which are boys in the prime of wanting to play anything that remotely looks pixelated. My kids don’t whine and cry about playing video games, because, well, we control the use of the video games. Simple: be the parent. Then, when they do get the opportunity to play them, it’s an exciting treat.
I realize that it is easier said than done, especially if your child is deeply ensconced within the video game environment, but you must take baby steps. You cannot simply rip it out of their hands and leave them empty. You have to replace something for something else, like an addict replacing the habit for something more constructive and life saving. A tad extreme, I know, but you get the gist.
What I’m saying is for you to substitute video games with my ebooks, in smaller doses to start until they’re fully enraptured with them that they’re begging you for more. I’ve written them especially for young, pre-teen/ tween boys. That’s not to say that girls won’t enjoy my stories, too, but usually they’re more into kissy-kissy smoochie stuff.
Yes, my motives may be a smidgen self-serving, but it’s for the greater good, folks. Save your children from becoming video game zombies, and save me from the bottom of the bestsellers list.
Cheers.