Fortnite has become a dominant force in my household, and chances are, it’s taken over yours as well. This wildly popular video game has captured the hearts of many kids, especially boys. I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed my children be more enamored with anything else. They leap out of bed at 6 a.m. on weekends to dive into the game, rush through homework just to get to play, and even pretend to be sick in hopes of staying home to game. Spoiler alert: Mom sees right through that trick.
Let me clarify, though—I’m not here to bash the game. In fact, I appreciate its social aspect. Unlike many video games that can trap kids in an isolating experience, Fortnite fosters interaction. Most players wear headsets, allowing them to communicate with friends while they compete. I must admit, it’s a bit amusing hearing them shout things like, “I’m down!” or “Watch out, they’re right behind you.” I even relish the moment I hear, “Guys, my Mom says I have to go.” Yes, the woman who carried you for 40 weeks is calling you upstairs from your virtual battlefield.
The classic rebuttal to my calls of “time’s up” often sounds like, “Okay, okay, it’s my last game.” But here’s the catch: unlike the last chip in a bag of Doritos that disappears in seconds, a last game in Fortnite can drag on indefinitely until their character is defeated. On good days, I’m fine with this “last game” excuse, but woe to them if I’ve just stumbled over a backpack or found their cup on the kitchen counter. That’s when the “last game” strategy will be met with a swift end.
As a mom of three boys and only one Xbox in the house, I can attest that sharing and taking turns in Fortnite is often the source of family chaos. The chorus of complaints—“He played longer!” and “When is it my turn?”—could drive anyone to the brink.
Ironically, one of Fortnite’s biggest draws—its accessibility—is also a source of contention. The game welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, which means my 9-year-old and my 13-year-old are constantly at odds over who gets to play next. Even if celebrity gamers like Chance the Rapper or Gordon Hayward were in my living room, they’d still be clamoring for a turn.
The game, officially titled Fortnite Battle Royale, has a straightforward premise: outlast everyone else. Each match starts with 100 players parachuting onto an island armed only with a pickaxe, and they must battle until only one remains. Players can team up in groups of four, strategizing to survive while scouring the island for weapons and resources. As the match progresses, the playable area shrinks, forcing encounters.
Parental reactions to Fortnite can vary drastically depending on the day’s stress levels. There are moments when the game keeps my boys happily engaged for hours, allowing me to catch up on work or indulge in some much-needed downtime. If this trend continues, I might just have to treat myself to an HBO subscription. Who wouldn’t appreciate an uninterrupted hour to scroll through deals on sites like Groupon?
However, other times—too many to count—I feel like I’m battling a never-ending onslaught of Fortnite-related chaos. When my boys awake until bedtime, it seems I’m constantly extinguishing fires. And when my patience runs thin, they know the consequences that await.
The judgmental questions always arise: Why do you let them play? Why not ditch the Xbox entirely? Shouldn’t they be outside enjoying nature? My answers are simple. Fortnite is their current indoor entertainment of choice when they aren’t engaged in sports or school. More importantly, their passion for the game has become a powerful motivator for chores and responsibilities. They’ll complete tasks—like emptying the dishwasher or even rubbing my feet—if it means they can play Fortnite afterward. It’s a win-win situation!
Of course, there are moments of conflict, and they sometimes lose their gaming privileges, but overall, I find value in Fortnite. The kids are having a blast connecting with friends, including peers they might not see often outside of school and sports. And while it can drive me to my wit’s end, it also provides some much-needed help around the house.
In summary, while Fortnite can feel like a curse at times, it’s also a blessing. My kids are engaged, motivated, and, surprisingly, stepping up to help with chores. It certainly offers more benefits than previous trends like bottle flipping or fidget spinners.
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