Ask GamerDad 10/10/08
Posted on October 13th, 2008 by
Dear GamerDad: Why are most other parents so concerned about their 12 to 16 year old teens? Why do parents, instead of paying attention to their teen’s level of maturity, go to this website and look for general answers that might not fit their teen’s level of maturity?
October 13th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I think it is a good and legitimate question, and I look at it this way: parents are trying to stay engaged and involved. TV, internet and video games make up a considerable amount of kids’ lives – according to some studies, the aggregate amount over a week nearly equals the amount of time spent in school! Therefore, since this is elective time, it is fair to assume that kids are actually absorbing *more* from MySpace and FaceBook and Real World and GTA 4 than they are from English and History and Physics. Putting the inherent dangers of this sweeping change aside for a moment, it makes it imperative for parents who want to be involved with their kids to familiarize themselves as much as they can with all of this media.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Hooray for quotes by me 😛
I agree with you mike. I often put games and other media in front of my homework, but I don’t really know if it has to do with me trying to abandon learning as much as homework is boring and tedious, and I’d much rather DO something than read and copy paragraphs in text books. And luckily I don’t have a Myspace, Facebook, or watch real world. God, I hate reality TV. But on the subject, I don’t think the media/internet is the problem, but it’s more of an open mindedness thing. My history teacher would use the term “sheeple” (I do pay attention in school :P). When I do my homework, I’m usually spitting back factual knowlege. But when I’m on the internet (usually forums or IM) I usually discuss my opinions on different things. If school revolved more around thinking rather than knowing I think I’d be more interested.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
“If school revolved more around thinking rather than knowing I think I’d be more interested”
Same here. That’s why one of my favourite subjects is history.
It’s not that I’m particularly interested in the past because I’m not, the reason I enjoy history is that, at least in my school, a large part of history is about forming coherent arguments, coming up with your own opinions on certain historical people and events and using knowledge effectively and appropriately. That’s the sort of stuff that I enjoy and am reasonably good at.
With the exception of maths, I absolutely loath subjects that are just about learning rules where you’re own knowledge and intellect is useless. That’s why I hate chemistry and languages so much. Chemestry is obscure and confusing and languages are just dull.
Together, we have a tendency to bring discussions completely off topic. We should be known as the off topic crew!
October 13th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
My point was that this stuff isn’t just a little diversion – it is a major element of your life as a kid and therefore it is a good thing for parents to make an effort to understand it. Not judging the good or bad of either the media you consume or the education you receive.
Oh – and name someone who wouldn’t rather have fun than study, and I’ll show you someone who was no frickin’ fun! It is all a matter of priorities … as an undergrad and grad there were many times I’d rather have been getting wings and beer than in the lab …
October 13th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
same thing with me, some guy. Like I said with the “sheeple” thing. He said the most important thing in his class is processing thoughts and opinions rather than just agreeing with everything (mainly the text book).
August 6th, 2010 at 12:55 am
I know this is an old question but I would like to say that it is word for word what I think every time I can’t do something because of the rating.