Hi Moms, I would really like to hear from those of you whose kids have an Ipod touch and/or view netflix streaming shows on the Ipod or Wii. What rules you have set to limit your kids screen time? We have rules, but sometimes admittedly have some trouble staying consistant with them. You all can guess what happens next. Anyone want share their screen time rules? What works and what doesn't? BTW, my girls are almost 12 and 9. I see a huge transition on the horizon with back to school too, getting nervous and want to make it as smooth as possible.
Thank you everyone for sharing. Right now our rules are 1) When we say screen time is done, they must comply nicely no whining or fussing. We almost always set a 30 minute limit when they start any screen entertainment 2) No netflix shows except during Fri or Sat eve. 3) They ALWAYS have to ask before they get any screen time or select any netflix show 4) We do not allow any screen time at all after dinner (except before bed Fri or Sat nights). Those are are rules for summer. When school starts, it will be same as before 1) No netflix shows except some Fri or Sat nights 2) No screen time until after homework is done. 3) No screen time after dinner. Yesterday, younger DD was too whiney asking for more time, so today she had zero time. I firmly believe in setting limits, I just wanted to see how the rest of you are making that happen succesfully. So thank you for your responeses.
My kids are younger, but my 5 year old loves playing on the computer and watching Netflix on the Wii. What we've done is set up a "pay" system. He gets (poker) chips when he does chores or practices his reading or does worksheets and then each chip is worth 30 minutes of "screen time" - we use a kitchen timer to control it. When the timer goes off, he has the option of paying for another 30 minutes or shutting it off.
You just state, that they have to do their homework first and their other responsibilities.
That screen time, is not a have to.
That it is not, automatic.
My kids play those things too and watch Netflix.
They ALWAYS ask us first, if they can.
Then we say yes or no.
It is not up to them.
And we tell them it is not 'their' TV. It is the family's.
My kids, are good at not getting carried away with it.
We regulate it/the viewing and they do too.
Well you could always take the things away from them when you don't want them using them.. Myself none of my kids have things like that till i'm getting them laptops next year
We found it near impossible to keep up with the restrictions when we did it by number of hours per day of screen time. (we include the computer and the Wii in the limitation). I felt like i needed a daily spreadsheet to keep track of which kid watched/played what when and for how long! instead our rule is No electronics before 6:00. It is easy to enforce and very easy to keep consistent.
my rules are as follows:
me = mom/disciplinarian
kids = must listen or consequence
consequence = no Ipod, netflix, wii, screen time
set realistic rules & let them be a part of setting those rules, so when it's time to implement the rules no one can argue foul play. Write them out whether it be homework or chores done 1st NO MATTER WHAT. Or can only watch 2 shows per night, etc. Pick what's important to you & them & come to an agreement. If kids think you are treating them fairly it's easier to be consistent. BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE VERY VERY CONSISTENT no matter what
My question is why do your young children have and ipod touch to begin with? And as far as Netflix- which I also do not condone, my son is not allowed to watch anything rent anything, do anythign with out my approval, otherwise he's done.
