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: elaineuskoski@gmail.com

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: Shari@ParentingFX.com

Click here to receive Shari's Free LAUNCH Advice Newsletter

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

Search for: @sharijonaslifefx

You spend so much time taking care of everyone else—I’ve got to ask: Who’s taking care of YOU?

If you’re feeling physically drained , emotionally spent, and beaten down from the weight of it all, this mini episode is for you.

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m sharing my no BS, research-based, tidbits of sage advice that will surprisingly help you reset—mentally, emotionally, and physically (plus they’re my personal favourites.)

Remember - taking care of yourself doesn’t make you a selfish parent; it makes you a better one.

P.S If you’re running on fumes and need someone to talk to, you can reach out to me.

Email: Shari@ParentingFX.com

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: Shari@ParentingFX.com

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

What if the reason your adult child is always in their room… is because they’re hiding something? You have your suspicions—but they’re so disconnected and so secretive, that you’re no longer sure what’s real. You’ve got a hunch (love that parenting instinct) but they’ve gotten so good at making you feel bad for even questioning them, you’re riddled with self-doubt. Yet the facts are clear; they spend hours behind that door, you’re barely allowed in, they’re not themselves and something is very wrong. But who can you turn to, especially when everyone else’s adult kid seems to be okay? I can assure you that after listening to this episode, you’ll have a much better idea of what you can do to help.

But just so we’re on the same page – in case you think your adult kid is just going through a stage and “whatever it is”, will pass, you’re fooling yourself. Addiction is so much worse than what we think. It’s not just excessive alcohol or smoking too much weed – as if that isn’t bad enough. It’s ANY behavior that is getting in the way of your adult child’s life. In fact addiction has gotten so bad, that it’s actually an epidemic. So you can stop feeling like it’s just happening to your kid.

Before you jump into the episode, or maybe you’re not even sure if its for you, I want to share how extensive this problem is. Addictive behaviours could be anything from video gaming, social media scrolling, vaping, binge-watching YouTube or Netflix, gambling, online shopping, overeating, pornography – as well as alcohol and drugs. Many are hard to detect but all are hard to admit.

The worst part is this; these are not habits that will go away on their own — they require either intervention or a complete lifestyle change. Do not feel overwhelmed (too late for that Shari). I understand how difficult this is, and I truly believe you can help, once you know what to do.

Because I’ll be honest - here comes the NO BS Parenting tip - to just “let them” keep hiding in their room, staying addicted and continuing to be disconnected from life, is going to do more harm than good.

So instead of doing that, listen to this episode first because I’m about to share the shocking truth about the underlying cause of your adult child’s addiction and (drum roll please) that you CAN make a difference by not letting them sit there, alone in their room, wasting their life away. 💪

Please share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 💞

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: Shari@ParentingFX.com

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