Skip to article

Games · For caregivers

What can I do when a game stops being enjoyable for my child?

PARE Media is a family technology guidance publication from Parent Approved Reviewed Entertainment. This Games guide is written for caregivers.

Look at the particular obstacle before making a rule about all games.

Pause and identify what is frustrating: the controls, difficulty, waiting, social interaction, or losing progress. Different problems call for different responses. Offer help or another activity without making continued play a test of character. This is practical family guidance, not an assessment of a child’s mental health.

2 min readReviewed September 4, 2026PARE Media · Editorial approach

Pause and identify what is frustrating: the controls, difficulty, waiting, social interaction, or losing progress. Different problems call for different responses. Offer help or another activity without making continued play a test of character. This is practical family guidance, not an assessment of a child’s mental health.

Name the specific source of frustration.
Offer help without taking over.
Allow a break without shame.

What happened just before the mood changed?

Research context: Ofcom reported that 55% of children ages 3–17 played games online in 2025. Source: Ofcom: Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes 2025–26.

Ask about the concrete moment rather than opening with a judgment such as “You cannot handle games.” A confusing menu, a difficult jump, or another player’s behavior can produce similar visible frustration. If your child is ready to explain, let them show you. If they are not, pause the activity first and talk later. Avoid trying to solve a technical problem while everyone is arguing about whether the reaction is acceptable.

Which adjustment fits the problem?

Check the available difficulty, control, audio, or accessibility options when they are relevant. A different input setting can matter more than another instruction to try harder. If the child wants help, agree on whether you will explain, demonstrate, or take a turn. Do not grab the controller without warning. If the issue is another player, use the game’s available communication or exit controls rather than treating more practice as the answer to a social problem.

When should we stop for now?

A break is reasonable when the activity is no longer serving its purpose or the household needs to move on. Acknowledge lost progress or disappointment without promising to restore it. Later, ask whether the child wants to try a different mode, practice one skill, or choose another game. If concerns extend beyond this particular activity or feel persistent and serious, seek appropriate professional guidance rather than using a gaming rule as a substitute for individual support.

Common questions

What is this guide’s main recommendation?

Pause and identify what is frustrating: the controls, difficulty, waiting, social interaction, or losing progress. Different problems call for different responses. Offer help or another activity without making continued play a test of character. This is practical family guidance, not an assessment of a child’s mental health.

What should a caregiver do first?

Name the specific source of frustration.