We've Entered the Fortnite Phase at Home

pregnant woman in black shirt holding her belly

The sounds of my son and his friends resonate through our upstairs hallway as they dive into their latest gaming session. “Move left!” “Get him! Watch out!” I can almost feel the excitement as my son bursts into cheers. Victory! He’s just claimed his first elusive Battle Royale victory alongside three of his closest buddies—each of them playing from their own homes yet celebrating together, all thanks to technology.

After months of pleading for my approval, my son has finally gained access to Fortnite, the immensely popular game that has become a staple for kids and teens. This parenting choice has left me feeling a bit apprehensive, to say the least. Fortnite is a fantasy game where players compete to be the last one standing, either solo or in teams, and it has taken the gaming world by storm. Allowing him to play wasn’t an easy decision, but after thorough research, positive feedback from his teachers, and a convincing pitch from him, I decided to take the plunge. Fast forward a few months and a birthday later, my son now boasts a full Xbox setup in his bedroom, complete with a gaming chair and monitor. Yes, I tend to go all-in when it comes to my kids’ interests. I’m not ashamed to admit it, but I do have mixed feelings about it all.

On one hand, I appreciate how Fortnite serves as a medium for kids to connect, especially during sick days, rainy weather, or those long winter months. I know all of his online friends and their families, which gives me peace of mind when he engages with them virtually.

However, I’ve set boundaries. We created an earned gaming schedule, and crucially, I implemented a strict rule against communication with gamers outside his friend circle. I learned this lesson quickly after overhearing some random teammates using inappropriate language. Now, we only allow sound during controlled, invite-only games; otherwise, the game goes on mute. He can chat with his friends through Kids Messenger while playing, which makes it a little chaotic but is a much better alternative.

There are positive aspects too. It’s wonderful to see his joy as he earns new titles and explores virtual worlds. He often asks me to watch as he teaches me about his digital realm. Plus, it’s become a useful reward for good behavior—a tangible incentive that I can take away if necessary, which is something I’ve struggled to find at this age.

Yet, there are aspects that make me uneasy. I’m not a fan of the plethora of in-game purchase options, which creates a divide between players based on who can spend money and who cannot. Each gaming character has a basic outfit or “skin,” but players can collect hundreds over time. The constant availability of new skins fosters a hierarchy among friends, which adds an uncomfortable layer to the gaming experience. The ongoing requests for “V-bucks” can be quite irritating, and it just feels off.

I’m also wary of the game’s content. My son argues that there’s no blood or gore, which he believes strengthens his case for playing. Still, players do eliminate each other using a variety of weapons. Research shows that gaming isn’t directly linked to violent behavior, and I grew up in a household that allowed video games without any issues, yet I can’t shake my concerns. I’m worried about the impact of excessive screen time on his developing mind, the potential defiance of our established rules, and how all of this shapes his understanding of empathy and kindness.

Ultimately, I’m still navigating this new territory. I don’t have a foolproof plan, but I’m working with him to create a space that feels fair, enjoyable, and safe. I sense this is just the beginning of a long journey filled with parenting choices that can be quite daunting—much like the forthcoming introduction to the internet, smartphones, and social media. The pre-teen and teenage years are bound to bring their own set of challenges, and I aim to guide him through it all in a way that works for both of us.

For more insights on navigating parenting decisions like this, check out this blog post. If you’re interested in home insemination options, Cryobaby’s home insemination kit is a great resource. Additionally, this article offers valuable information about the IVF process.

We’ve Entered the Fortnite Phase at Home

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