DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two sons who love to play video games more than just about anything. They are middle schoolers, but they rarely want to go out and socialize. They do connect online with other kids who plays these games. I suppose I should be happy that they aren’t out roaming the streets, but it is weird to me that they are so absorbed in their games. It doesn’t seem healthy. How can I get them to come up for air? -- Video Game Overdose
DEAR VIDEO GAME OVERDOSE: You can limit the time that your sons are allowed to use their electronics and schedule other activities that will occupy them. It is important to have other things for them to do so that they don’t feel like they are being punished when they are not allowed to play their games.
Find out what else excites them. Start with school subjects. Does anything pique their interest that may get them to want to go out and explore? What museums might be of interest to them? Sporting activities?
If you can’t think of anything that is attractive to them, include them in things that you enjoy. The point is that you should replace their game time with interactive face-to-face engagements.