270: Should I Let My Kid Make In-App Purchases in Video Games?

Loot boxes, in-app purchases, Robux, skins — and a kid who won't stop asking for them. If you're a parent of a tween or teen gamer, you already know this pressure. But are these purchases actually harmful, or are you just out of touch with how gaming works today? In-app purchases are one of the most confusing pressure points for parents of tweens and teens right now. The games are "free to download," but they’re not really free. And when real money turns into Robux or gems, it can disappear fast. In this episode, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan break down exactly what's going on inside these video games, what parents actually need to worry about, and how to set clear, calm limits without turning every gaming session into a fight. 💡 YOU'LL LEARN: - Why "free-to-play" games aren't actually free, and how to explain the business model to your kid in a way that sticks - The difference between cosmetic skins and loot boxes - How virtual currencies like Robux and gems are specifically designed to make spending feel like it's not real money - A simple framework for talking about whose money, how much, and what happens when it runs out - How to stay warm and curious about your kid's gaming life in a way that prioritizes a strong relationship with your kid Gaming isn't the enemy, but clever marketing is baked into these platforms, and your kid needs you to be one step ahead of it. This episode gives you the language and the confidence to do exactly that. ________________ Today's sponsors: Wayfair: Visit ⁠https://wayfair.com. LMNT: Receive a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order at https://drinklmnt.com/asklisa Warby Parker: Buy one prescription pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://www.WarbyParker.com/ASKLISA ⁠ Cozy Earth: Get 20% off your order with promo code ASKLISA https://cozyearth.com/________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. ________________ Episode keywords: loot boxes kids, Robux spending, parental controls gaming, video game addiction kids, kids and gambling, online gaming kids, kids in-app purchases, video game spending kids, loot boxes tweens, free to play games kids, Robux parents guide, video game limits kids, teaching kids money gaming, kids spending real money games, setting video game boundaries, teen gaming purchases Podcast keywords: ask lisa podcast, lisa damour, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices