One third of U.S. teen boys report feeling addicted to video games.

While pornography addictions remain at the top of the list for driving a relational wedge between husbands and wives, there’s a relatively new addiction that is now dealing a deathblow to marriages.  Believe it or not, masses of couples are discovering that video game addictions can destroy the intimacy and teamwork vital for maintaining a healthy, fulfilling marriage.

I have handed Kleenex tissues to one lady after another while she describes how her husband spends hours a day playing video games, not only leaving her with almost all of the responsibility of tending to the kids but also creating intense loneliness and dissatisfaction within the relationship.

Why Do Some Men Like Video Games So Much?

The majority of men thrive on competition because it provides an opportunity to overcome and win, thus affirming their manhood and personal sense of self worth.  That said, video games are the ideal outlet to compete.  They often entail heroic scenarios, allowing a man to win a bloody war, defeat a wicked enemy, or save the planet from seemingly immanent destruction.  They are also entertaining and fun.  For this reason, many men prefer to escape the stresses and demands of everyday life by playing an exciting video game.  And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – unless, of course, a man’s video gaming becomes so frequent and excessive that he begins to neglect his family and household responsibilities.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents, lets teach our sons how to have balance when it comes to video games.  For example, make sure he always does his chores before playing video games, thus later in life he will have the self discipline to take care of his family responsibilities before plopping down on the couch to play games.  Also, limit the amount of time he plays every day.  Encourage him to recreate outside or pursue other interests.  He needs to know that too much of anything – especially video games – is not healthy.  Finally, as our sons become teens, let’s talk frankly about how out of balance video gaming can become a source of pain for his wife someday and seriously take its toll on his marriage and family.

What About You, Dad?

Dad, are you modeling the proper balance for your son?  Lead by example when it comes to video gaming, not only in how much time you spend playing but also in the games you choose to play.  Killing innocent civilians, abusing women, and committing criminal acts of destruction are not okay simply because they take place in a game. (Link to information about how violent video games affect kids)

Closing Prayer

Father, please help my household to honor You with our entertainment decisions, especially as it pertains to video games.  Show my family how to have balance, and reveal it to us if gaming is somehow taking its toll on us.  Give us the grace we need to change as You see fit and the obedience to follow through with Your instructions.  In Jesus’ name, amen.