Q&A for How to Secretly Play Video Games when You're Grounded

Pretty much any device, but small ones like a phone or DS are easier to hide.

You could try watching her to see where she hides the games. You could also try searching in some likely hiding spots, like her closet or under her bed.

If you have any portable devices, such as a phone, iPod or DS, sit in the bathroom for about 15 minutes every few hours to play a game. Don't play too long, or she'll get suspicious.

Nobody should be watching you in the bathroom, this is definitely a sign of unhealthy boundaries and possibly abuse. Talk to her about this. You may need to tell a teacher or counselor about what's going on. Video games are the least of your problems.

Yes, but make sure to lower the volume and brightness, and make sure to check every few minutes to see if someone woke up. Be careful! If you get caught, your punishment will probably be worse.

Check your surroundings regularly when you play. Turn the volume all the way down or wear earbuds. It's safest to play in your room at night on a handheld device, then if she comes in to check on you, you can just hide the device under your blankets.

Don't say no, just go. It may help get you ungrounded faster. If you refuse to go, you might make your dad mad, and that's the last thing you want if you're already in trouble.

Clear it, then Google some math problems, an article on Washington, whatever you said to get onto the computer.

An entire weekend is going to be tough. You could set someone else up to invite them somewhere 'without the kids', but that's still quite a long shot. Getting them out for a few hours should be easier. Tell them that you need supplies for school or other essentials (just be aware they might take you with them). If all else fails, you could just play them in the bathroom or when they're sleeping.

The more often you do it, the more likely it is that you'll get caught. Everybody slips up once in a while!

Use the video game as a reward for getting something done. Work on your homework or your chores for a half hour, then play the game for 10 minutes. But you will have to have the willpower to put away the game and get back to work when the 10 minutes are up!

It depends on how strict your parents are. If you do get caught, apologize and accept whatever punishment they give you without any argument. If follow the steps in the article and you're very cautious, you'll be less likely to get caught.

Depending how your parents are, just tell the truth, sure it may get you into trouble but, your parents will be happy you told the truth.

Just don't play at all. Do some chores or read a book. It is better than than your parents catching you.

Be creative and try to make up your own tricks, maybe even get something here in the article and mix in your idea.

An ideal time to play would be a recess. Hide out someplace not many people go, like under a rock wall or underneath the slide. If your school has a field, go to a corner of the field. If there are some people chatting or whatever and there is no place for you to go but there, ask them to keep a lookout for teachers. You can also hide out in the bathroom to play, but obviously you can't spend too much time in there. Be very careful, because if you get caught playing video games, the teacher will almost definitely take your device away.

If you're on your phone, iPod, DS, or other portable device, turn down the volume/brightness and hide under the sheets. If you hear your parents coming in, turn it off and pretend to be asleep.

Try something like Enter the Gungeon, Fortnite or Overwatch.

I wouldn't recommend doing this if you sleep in the same room as your parents, as you're very likely to get caught. If you do it anyway and you do get caught, just apologize and accept the punishment. They'll only get angrier if you try to talk your way out of it.

If you have access to a phone, DS, or tablet, use that to play games instead. If that's not possible, you're probably out of luck until she gives you your laptop back.

Then, go to another room where there isn't a camera. Also, it is possible your parent will not watch the camera at late night, so maybe that's when you can do it but only if you can sleep in the next day.

The video-games are the least of your problem. If she threatened to 'put her hands on you', you should talk to a teacher/counselor/etc. This could possibly lead to abuse.

First, arrange a time where you guys can play late at night, perhaps on weekends and breaks due to no school. Do this after you can extend your bedtime for more gaming. If your parents don't agree, don't break the trust or things are going to get worse for you.

If you disconnect your device from the internet and use your Mobile Data, then he can't see that you were online. If you do not have a phone or a Sim plan, you ae probably out of luck.

If the safe is not guarded by your parents, open it, but be sure to put it back by morning and lock it again.