Your CTKid comes to you exhibiting seething aggravation at losing a game. Or maybe he cannot reach the next level. Or his teammates ribbed him mercilessly for poor play. You can help him put it into perspective. One way is to segue to one of the most famous prayers in the Bible as seen in Luke 11:2-4. You might say:

I suspect that life is supposed to be simpler than all that.* Did you know that Jesus talked with his disciples about this kind of thing? He taught them to pray for their daily bread, to ask for forgiveness and to give forgiveness, and to avoid temptations.  Which of those solutions is being offered to you right now?

Hear what he has to say.

Follow the Breadcrumbs

He may say, “I have to avoid the temptation to bash my computer.”

It may feel like a tall order to accept Jesus’ direction in this high-tech age, but I suspect He’s calling you to forgive everyone who sins against you. And to avoid the temptation to be resentful or bitter.  With God’s help, of course.

Show him how to get God’s help if he has forgotten (prayer, for example). Make this interlude in his day as long or as brief as it needs to be.

Speaking of daily bread, how about a snack (or how about helping me stir this batter).

So, when you notice a negative video game impact, gently segue to God, invoke the Word, invite conversation, listen, help him to apply commandments and virtues, and shift your CTKid into neutral.

The Lord said, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed–or indeed only one” (ref: Luke 10:41).

*And it is, because being aggravated by video games is a completely unnecessary, but often chosen, part of modern life.