Expert: Dan - 10/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: My wife has a 14yr old brother and all he wants to do is play computer games in game outlets and eats alot. He lives with his elder sister who is acting as mum but cannot get him to do anything constructive. If you ask him to do anything he is reluctant but if you ask him what he wants to do to be moore active he dosen't know what he wants. He is putting on alot of weight and says he wants to go to the gym but do he dosen't like walking which is equally good for him. You can't tell him anything as he goes funny like miserable he is only happy doing his games. What can we do to make him realise this is not the way to become a well balanced citizen when he gets older.

ANSWER: Can I ask your state and his hobbies besides computers and such? Also can I recommend James Windell Parenting Teen expert here.


Talk to his doctor as always

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,  My wife is Thai and her brother lives in Thailand. He has no other hobbies. I will ask the same question to James Windell as recommended.

Thanks

Answer
Hi,
I am wondering if it's what we call "Internet addiction" or "video game addiction". This is a serious problem and really I recommend the legal guardian to talk to his doctor asap. Without knowing what types of things he does on the computer or how his family is setup, I really don't know what to say. Telling you and than you sending that information onto someone else is not the "best way to go". Have his legal guardian contact us with the information and we can maybe help. James Windell can give some help, but I really think in this case the direct person involved is better.

Please ask follow ups