Convincing Parents to build PC
Convincing Parents to build PC
I’m 14 yrs old in 9th Grade. I’m currently trying to convince my dad(tech director in house) to allow me to build my own gaming rig but I’m having no luck at all. He says that I should focus on school and get better grades. I don’t know what to say or do about it as I am striving with all A’s. I’m also getting a job as a referee for soccer which pays enough for my 1100$ build. He knows a lot about pc’s so right when he saw the high end graphics card, he immediately knew it was for gaming. I tried saying that I would build with a low end graphics card but he still says no. Any suggestions or tips on how to convince him?
That’s a great idea! Setting a specific time limit helps manage expectations and ensures productivity. It also adds a layer of structure to your gaming sessions. Focusing on achievable goals, like an hour a day, can make the process feel less overwhelming and more rewarding. You could even track your progress – how many games did you finish? How much time did you spend building/modifying? – to see your improvements and stay motivated.
That is an argument you are going to lose.
If you build a gaming pc, are you going to let it sit idle?? Of course not.
If your grades are good and you get your homework done on time, you may have some free time, whatever that is.
Perhaps you can agree to a time budget for building/playing with a pc.
Perhaps one hour per day.
My only real argument is this. I would rather have my child learn personal responsibility now than later. I know my early college days suffered from too much freedom and a re-evaluation of priorities had to take place. Better to do that when schooling is correctable and with parental oversight than wasting tuition and potentially housing costs. I also note that a lot of social engagement with peers is done online in a contemporary setting. Being the one kid that doesn’t play the hot game can actually have negative impacts.
Only other potential argument is if you have any plans on making anything to do with computers your career. Then an argument could be made for using it for more than gaming. (Though really you don't need a gaming PC to do that). But I have run into people that say they learned a lot with Minecraft and others who learned almost all their programming skills from writing game mods.
I got my first second hand PC (486) when I was about 10. Of course this was the mid-90s and the internet really hadn’t hit the Midwest yet. I used it almost exclusively to play games, but when it couldn't handle what I wanted, I started upgrading it. OS installation, adding expansion cards, etc. Now back then that was significantly harder, and not having easy access to the internet meant a lot of trial and error. While my career doesn’t have much do with computer hardware the logical approach I learned in having a computer to troubleshoot is invaluable to other applications. I now have a career in software asset management for a fortune 500 company. (Started out with upgrade projects from Windows XP to Windows 7, quite the feat for companies with some software being over a decade old)
Many parents concerns these days are about exposure to the internet and a fear of ‘always on’ dependencies. I'm watching my brother go through it with his toddler already and that smartphone sure is a handy tool when something needs to get done...
My parents aren’t very concerned with WiFi radiation but somewhat for the screen as they don’t want me to wear glasses. I play games on a MacBook Air 2011 and it’s terrible. I’ve got into this beta where you access a cloud gaming pc service for free but it’s not the best as there are still many bugs. The cloud service is called Nvidia GeForce Now
Here’s a rewritten version of the text, aiming for clarity and flow:
The constant use of screens is a growing concern, impacting not just eyesight but also attention spans. Many individuals now crave continuous internet access – for gaming, social media, or simply staying connected – often prioritizing these activities above other responsibilities. While concerns about WiFi radiation have been raised, the primary issue often relates to excessive screen time and its potential impact on development and well-being.
Specifically, my own experience with a MacBook Air 2011 highlights the limitations of older technology when it comes to demanding applications like gaming. I’ve recently joined a beta program for Nvidia GeForce Now, a cloud gaming service, which offers a free alternative but still has some bugs.
The issue of eyesight is particularly complex. Myopia (nearsightedness) develops through prolonged focus at close distances – think studying or extended gaming sessions. This can be exacerbated by spending time indoors and not having enough exposure to natural light. While glasses are an effective solution for correcting vision, preventing myopia requires a deliberate effort to avoid near-sighted activities like excessive screen use. It’s also important to consult an optometrist regularly for comprehensive eye care.