Hi, I’m not sure if I’m writing this in the correct section but it’s been something I have been thinking a lot about lately. I am a full on addict once I start in slots…no doubt. I have a 7 year old daughter and I dont know if I am being hyper sensitive but I worry that she has the same make up as me. Little things like getting annoyed playing on ‘2p machines’ in the arcades, frustration at losing, spending lots of time on games etc. I have heard about chronic gambling ‘changing the brain’ and I am just wondering if there is anything I can do to prevent her from being so susceptible to it all. I do limit her time in the iPad but is avoidance the best approach-I’m not sure. My worry is about when she gets more freedom I suppose. Just wondering if there is anything I can do to help minimise the likelihood of her even developing issues?
thanks
Hi Meg123,
This is a very interesting issue and very present in my life also.
My gambling addction accompanied me since my son was little.I was always very anxious if he somehow would inherit this horrible addiction eventhough I never played in front of him etc
But I can notice in hjs behaviour similar traits to mine which terrifies me ,but at the same time I react straightaway to it.f ex he could spend any amount on xbox extras to make his game more fancy....which I find so pointless.But when I did it for 11years,I didn't mind?So I try to explain to my son that for this money he could have more usefull objects instead of making the game owner richer and richer.
My way of dealing with it is time limitation on any electronic gadgets to avoid anger/frustration issues.I'm very strict with it.And I'm trying to explain things that to be successful/rich in life you have to work hard for it...you cannot win it just like that.I know he thinks i deprive him of fun or I'm stingy...but I believe when he gets older and if it's required I would open up about my story to make him avoid my mistake.
Hopefully my point of view was some kind of help for you.
All tbe best
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