#24: What Are the Signs Your Adult Child Is Addicted to Video Games? One Mom’s Powerful Story and What You Can Do to Help

LAUNCH: Parenting Tips for Raising Adult Children & Building Better Relationships

When my kid first started playing video games, it was a great way for them to unwind. It also gave me peace of mind, knowing they were staying out of trouble. At the time, it didn’t seem like a problem, they still had other activities in their life, and they only played a few hours a day. But now it’s all my adult child wants to do, it’s all they talk about, and the only friends they spend time with are the ones on the other end of their headset. I’m really beginning to worry. I’ve tried everything, but nothing I say matters. I can’t stop wondering; is my child is addicted to video games? What are the signs? And, how can I help them?

If this sounds like the voice in your head, this episode will give you the clarity and answers that you are seeking. I’m joined by my guest Elaine Uskoski, a mother who lived through the nightmare of her son’s video game addiction.

In this deeply personal and eye-opening conversation, Elaine shares what it was like to watch her adult child spiral into isolation, anxiety, and dependency. She opens up about the warning signs she didn’t recognize at first, the difficult decisions she had to make, and how she was able to overcome this challenging period in her family’s life.

Her journey through this crisis didn’t just change her son’s life—it transformed hers. Today, Elaine is a passionate advocate and coach for other parents facing the same battle, helping them navigate the complex world of video game addiction and screen overuse.

If you’ve been questioning whether your adult child’s gaming has gone too far and you are ready to get them help, this episode is your chance to hear from someone who’s been there. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Help is available.

Please share this video with someone who might need to hear it.

About My Guest

Elaine Uskoski is an award-winning, internationally recognized speaker who specializes in raising awareness about video gaming addiction. Her journey into this field began in 2014, when her youngest son, Jake, developed a severe gaming addiction while away at university—a crisis so serious, it nearly cost him his life.

With a background in social services and holistic health, Elaine created a personalized recovery plan that helped Jake heal—and that life-altering experience became the catalyst for her work as a Parenting Coach helping other families who are dealing with their children’s compulsive gaming behavior.

She’s the author of two impactful books: Seeing Through the Cracks and Cyber Sober: A Caregiver’s Guide to Video Gaming Addiction. Elaine has been featured on many major media outlets, and most recently received the Silver Award in Therapy & Counseling for her outstanding work dedicated to video gaming addiction at a global summit for Women in Business.

How to reach Elaine Uskoski

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 226-337-2070

Media - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyErmDsuBo0

Elaine's Website - https://eyespyhealth.ca/

Do you want to know if your adult child is struggling with Failure to Launch? Grab the free Failure to Launch Checklist here: https://parentingfx.com/pages/ftl-checklist

For a complimentary 15 minute consultation, email: [email protected]

Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter

🎙️Remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you never miss an episode.

Shari can be found on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Follow her for Real Talk, No BS Parenting Tips.

Search for: @sharijonaslifefx