Hello. I'm a fifteen year old kid with a knack for RPGs and have a closeness with a clan that creates our identity through multiple games all over. Pay games, free games, MMOs, RPGs, FPS, etc. A recent game I've stumbled upon is one for an advanced player, called "DDO". Some ofthe older generations may be familiar with it, as it was created by Gary Gygax. It's Dungeons and Dragons, but san online version, thus "DDO." I've been playing it for about a year, on and off. It is a pay game, but it's worth the fifteen dollars a month. I had some friends at the beginning of the yeart that I would play online with ALL the time. We hung out and did quests together as much as we could. Then the dreaded day came where I was forced to cancel my subscription. I tried dedsperatewly to find a way to contact them outside of DDO. (Not in real life, of course.) MSN, AIM, anything. Unfortunately I had no way to contact them, and thus, I disappeared. Near the end of the year, I finally got a job and re-activated my subscription. After a week, I saw an old friend from the beginning of the year. I tried to talk to her and wre talked for a good five minutes. But thewn my mother told me to get off. I provided her with my reasoning as "I had not seen this person for a year" and she said "who cares?" She does this too often, when I see someone I know and need to talk with them, and it IS important, as it IS my lifestyle, my mom ALWAYS says "It's just a game". Now some may think so, but when you live with electronics since you were born and practically dedicate yourself to this, you can;t just quit.
What I'm trying to ask is, does anyone have any ideas on how I could get my mom interested in what I do? I can't even go to her for help because she won't know what t odo. She's wise, but ignorant at the same time. I feel like I'm going to pop if I can't find a way. Thanks. ^_^
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Maureen
Posts:
667
Registered:
6/13/07
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(7 of 7)
Sep 15, 2008 7:15 PM
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What great news, Achman! I'm so glad to hear things are improving. Keep at it, and please stay in touch,
Maureen
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Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager
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Anne
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507
Registered:
6/26/06
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(6 of 7)
Sep 15, 2008 11:43 AM
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Achman, I think that is a really smart strategy for all tech-literate teens - to integrate parents into what you do online, on phones, etc., so they can reach a certain comfort level about it and not overreact when/if things come up. Way to go! Thanks for posting,
Anne
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Anne Collier
ConnectSafely co-director
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Achman
Posts:
3
From:
Gibbons Alberta
Registered:
9/9/08
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(5 of 7)
Sep 15, 2008 10:03 AM
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Hey Maureen! Things are a littl better. You're idea worked, but it also appears that apparently I would talk about a lot. I guess because I'm part of a huge clan across the web, I included them in daily life. Like on was in path of Gustav and Ike, and when I told mom, she didn;t seem the least bit edgey when I told her! I've lowly begun "integrating" her in what I do, and things seem to be going a little better. I can;t thank you enough!
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Maureen
Posts:
667
Registered:
6/13/07
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(4 of 7)
Sep 10, 2008 10:31 AM
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Hi, Achman: Could be your mom is going through a tough time right now and it's not your gaming that's bothering her. Keep trying and maybe she'll see how lucky she is to have a son who wants to include her! Why don't you approach her on a Saturday or Sunday morning, when she's more likely to be relaxed. Please check back in and let us know how things are going!
Take care,
Maureen
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Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager
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Achman
Posts:
3
From:
Gibbons Alberta
Registered:
9/9/08
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(3 of 7)
Sep 9, 2008 9:12 PM
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Heh, thanks Maureen. I think I tried approaching her once but she got lost in the work she does when she sits in a chair and watches TV. I have no clue what she does, I figured it was bills or something. Anyways, when I approached her, she seemed disinterested and uncaring, saying "I''m busy" a couple of times. That was last week, but today I asked the same thing and she answered the same way. I'm hard up for explaining as it's almost midnight but if you guys have questions I can try and do my best to respond to 'em. Thanks. ^_^
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Maureen
Posts:
667
Registered:
6/13/07
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(2 of 7)
Sep 9, 2008 12:49 PM
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Welcome, Achman, and thanks for the great question that I’m sure will get lots of parents here thinking. I'm no expert, but I suspect your mom very much cares about what you're interested in – she just doesn't "get" today’s gaming (which, as you correctly point out, looks nothing like the stuff she grew up with). Why don’t you approach her during a calm, relaxed moment and ask if she has time to talk about something important. Say something like “Gaming means a lot to me, and I’d like you to know more about it. When you have a minute, I’d like to sit with you at the computer and show you what it’s about.” Keep your tone calm so she won’t get defensive (and knows you’re serious). Explain how gaming benefits you (enjoyment, hanging with friends, relaxation, etc.) and doesn’t hurt (you still get homework done). Be prepared for questions or objections, and try to dispel her concerns in a calm, respectful way.
I hope my two cents help. Does anyone else have any insight? Please come back to tell us how it goes!
All the best,
Maureen
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Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager
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Achman
Posts:
3
From:
Gibbons Alberta
Registered:
9/9/08
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(1 of 7)
Sep 9, 2008 10:00 AM
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Hello. I'm a fifteen year old kid with a knack for RPGs and have a closeness with a clan that creates our identity through multiple games all over. Pay games, free games, MMOs, RPGs, FPS, etc. A recent game I've stumbled upon is one for an advanced player, called "DDO". Some ofthe older generations may be familiar with it, as it was created by Gary Gygax. It's Dungeons and Dragons, but san online version, thus "DDO." I've been playing it for about a year, on and off. It is a pay game, but it's worth the fifteen dollars a month. I had some friends at the beginning of the yeart that I would play online with ALL the time. We hung out and did quests together as much as we could. Then the dreaded day came where I was forced to cancel my subscription. I tried dedsperatewly to find a way to contact them outside of DDO. (Not in real life, of course.) MSN, AIM, anything. Unfortunately I had no way to contact them, and thus, I disappeared. Near the end of the year, I finally got a job and re-activated my subscription. After a week, I saw an old friend from the beginning of the year. I tried to talk to her and wre talked for a good five minutes. But thewn my mother told me to get off. I provided her with my reasoning as "I had not seen this person for a year" and she said "who cares?" She does this too often, when I see someone I know and need to talk with them, and it IS important, as it IS my lifestyle, my mom ALWAYS says "It's just a game". Now some may think so, but when you live with electronics since you were born and practically dedicate yourself to this, you can;t just quit.
What I'm trying to ask is, does anyone have any ideas on how I could get my mom interested in what I do? I can't even go to her for help because she won't know what t odo. She's wise, but ignorant at the same time. I feel like I'm going to pop if I can't find a way. Thanks. ^_^
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