XBOX 360 confiscated... for another FOUR years

[Wolfmanne]

Ok, so my XBOX 360 was confiscated in September after a typical family argument me and my Dad had. Doesn't sound like a big deal for me, I'll get it back in a few weeks or so, or my time will be limited. But I don't think so. It happened already, when I was in Year 4 (UK, I think that's Grade 3 in America). I was addicted to it and I admit he was right to confiscate it but it was for FOUR whole years. My Dad was (and perhaps is) some kind of helicopter parent who wanted me to do well, pass the 11 Plus and go to a Grammar School (I actually go to a Comprehensive School right now and my Dad is quite happy with that since I got put into the top set and I get loads of attention ). I couldn't take the exam stress but that's for another thread.

I weren't bullied for not having a games console, but when my friends would start talking about 'the latest Call of Duty' or 'which is better: PS3 or the 360', I would have nothing to say. All my friends feel sorry for me that my XBOX was confiscated for so long. This week there's been loads of talk about of Call of Duty 9, which is probably coming out in a few years. When I told my friends about my Dad confiscating my XBOX, they felt sorry for me but also took the piss out of me (not bullying but general piss take). I missed out on loads of great games; Skyrim V, the last three Call of Duty games, Battlefield 3, Fallout, Mass Effect etc.

However, I'm concerned that my Dad may had confiscated for another 4 years, perhaps even until I'm 18 (or at least until I start taking in income)! 5 years of a confiscated XBOX?!? I know, someone moaning about their XBOX being confiscated for a month and then committing suicide but seriously, for a few more years? He wants me to have perfect attendance, not get into trouble (really hard for me) with my teachers and I have come to points where I have cried over school stress. They make a big deal when I got moved down a set in English and that was because the English teacher didn't understand the stress my parents were putting on me.

But they still make a big deal out of it; they make me feel down every week. I sulk in my room because of it. I almost have NO chance of getting my XBOX 360 back until I'm 17-18. I know this may sound sad, moaning about a XBOX on the Internet being confiscated. But it is really getting me down, not being able to go on XBOX Live to talk and play with my mates, not being able to talk about the latest Call of Duty etc. What could I do to try and get it back, perhaps even compromise with my Dad?

[PSY]

This is a tricky situation. On one hand, having the XBox could give you an outlet for some of the stress you're experiencing, so getting it back could ultimately be seen as a good thing in your father's eyes. On the other hand, having the XBox could distract you from your studies (leading to even more stress), or you could slip back into a cycle of addiction, which would ultimately be seen as a bad thing in your father's eyes.

I think there are two parts to this problem. The first is how to get the XBox back. I think the most reasonable offer you can make to your father is to get the XBox back, and only play it for a short amount of time each week. Let him decide what would be reasonable, but explain that having a little bit of time on the XBox each week would allow you to de-stress and connect with friends. That would then put you in a better mood. If you can get your father to see things from that angle, then you might have a chance at getting it back.

The other part to this problem is how you're going to cope with life problems in general. What will you do if you can't get the XBox back? What will you do as an adult, if you don't have an XBox? If you DO have an XBox, but realize you can't play it in moderation? If you DO have an XBox, but you simply don't have the time for it? The bottom-line is that you need to find other outlets, in the event that you can't use the XBox. What else helps relieve your stress? If you don't know, why not explore some ideas, like picking up a new hobby or expressing yourself creatively (writing, drawing, singing/playing an instrument)?