How do you allot the amount of time your kids can watch tv, play on the computer, and play video games? This a.m., DH told my girls they could go on the computer. I got them off awhile later Then they turn on the tv. After it was apparent it was just on and they weren't watching, I had them turn it off and DD8 reaches for her Nintendo.

I am wondering what to do, and if I should lump all the time into one sum, or divide it up, so much time on the computer, so much tv, etc.

What do all of you do?? The new big thing around here are those Webkinz dolls where you go online and take careof your pet. Plus they can play along with their friends, so yesterday I had DD get off and then her friend called an hour later and I allowed 20 more minutes.

My sister had tried giving her kids tickets for tv. I am thinking of coming up with some kind of system but am not sure how to go about it.

Any suggestions??? I am definitely going to make the new system work to my advantage by having them do their chores or forfeit time or possibly earn a few extra minutes. I had to tell them 4 times to get toys off the steps yesterday, usually they get 3 chances but I lost track what I was doing as the baby got up at 5 am and I was so tired! I'd appreciate advice!

I try to limit their time during the week, but weekends are free time for whatever they want. Since my 8 year old is ADHD, he really benefits from the distraction. I do limit what kind of games he can play and watch. I also keep him off of the computer unless it is school related.

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I would think that 1-2 hours of all of those things combined would be plenty per day. I know I'm on the extreme side of this issue, but I believe there are more important things to do with your time. We don't watch much tv here, maybe 2 or 3 30 minute shows a week or one movie a week. My oldest dd loves Starfall.com so she gets on there for maybe 30 mins every other day or so. I don't/won't allow video games, but she does have a leapster that gets used on long car trips mainly. I'd rather them be reading or playing.

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We haven't had to implement a time limit, they've never wanted to play on the computer, watch tv or do video games (we don't even have a system...they're not interested)...for such a long time that I thought it was an issue. They don't even watch tv daily. If they did want to do those things daily, for long periods of time I would use a timer or some sort of system so they weren't doing it all day long.

I try to limit it to three hours a day and that includes all screen time. During the summer we are usually under that amount. On days that I am at work and dh is home with them it is over that amount. If they keep asking me to watch tv or go on the computer, I set the timer and tell them if they keep asking me, I set the timer back five more minutes. it's a constant struggle with screen time around here and encouraging them to use thier imagination and play with their toys. I feel you pain. Incidentally, my kids are 4 and 6.

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I don't set a time, never have and I never will........my kids do not over-do it, they have access to tvs, computer (have to ask us first), several different game systems, hand held games, etc.

n my soapbox:

Our generation survived the "screens" we played outside, we played inside, we talked on the telephone, played Pac-Man, Pong, Atari, had Comodore 64 computer, etc.....and if I must sy so myself, We turned out just fine :happy dance: I think that kids need guidance, but not a dictatorship...there are bigger battles to fight, this is not one that I chose to make a big deal about. We do say what types of shows and games they are allowed to have/watch.....that is my job as a parent.

My kids are very active in sports, music, band, show choir, swing choir, school, are ALL on the high honors, honor roll, the older ones are in Boy Scouts (and only have their Eagle Scout project to complete before becoming Eagle Scouts). My children are well rounded and social children with GREAT manners......that is because we as parents have shaped them......the "screens" have not damaged them. ray:

I agree we turned out ok. With the new technology allowing them to connect with their friends from school that are playing she can play all day! First one little friend calls and asks if she will go on, then later another....Lately I realize the tv is on, they aren't paying attention and theyare playing. So I have been quite strict about turning it off if they aren't watching, and I send them outside regularly, and suggest alternatives to go play with. I don't feel it is good on their eyes and the strain from sitting at the computer isn't good for them. I think they are overdoing it with their Webkinz (stuffed animals you go online and care for). My 8 yr. old is at the top of her class, and better on the computer than I am!!!

We dont have certain times for those things!! as my kids soe days the tv never gets turned on and when it does they NEED the downtime and I need mine too!! and for the video games my oldest has a nintendo but she only uses it on the go!! and to be honest the games she has are good ones for her!! the Hannah Montanna game helps her follow thedirectionds and read in other ways and also helps her with the diagonal line problems we have with her!! etc!! anyhow like I said I dont have set times or anything but I know if I feel they have had too much I tell them and they can finish there show and then it gets turned off!! etc they are pretty good about it too!!

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My oldest ds is almost 4 and we've never let him on the computer at home but he LOVES to play it at his grandparents house on Sundays! Since he has to share with his cousins there he usually doesn't get too much time anyway so I don't have to worry!

He does love to watch TV though and could easily watch it all day long! I would rather him stay active instead of sitting in front of the TV so I usually have him turn it off after a while, but worry that not letting him watch it will make him want to watch it even more! My mom worked when I was a kid and she would always say no tv during the week! Well, since she wasn't home when we got home, my younger sister and I would watch it until she got home! I think her trying to keep it off limits made it more enticing! I now understand her reasoning, but at the time didn't care!

So, I have no suggestions - just more questions!

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I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

this is such a big topic for me.


its so easy to let your kids just check out on electronic stuff so we can check out from time to time. but i think this is a fight worth fighting.


i might piss off some here but i really think all the electronic stuff is taking away alot of our kids. they're growing up faster, have shorter attention spans, dont know how to play anymore and have a more entitled, instant gratification personalities. this is a sweeping generalization i know, but it seems to be a constant agreement on some of these issues with most parents these days.

i think a litmus test is to think - if i unplug it all and my kid has an electronic free day, what would happen? would it phase him/her or would they just move onto a game, book, outside, whatever?


i dont struggle with this issue yet but i will most likely continue what my parents did for me - that the video games and the tv was a privledge, not a given.

good luck! this is a hard hill to climb!