I grounded the kids from the computer today

[Valgal]

I might actually be able to scrapbook or just play around with some photos! I was SICK of the arguing over who was on it the longest and whose turn it was, etc. Dh is always telling me to 'put my foot down' when I complain that I never get to use it anymore and I finally did. Should make for an interesting day, lol!

Anyone else ever do this?

[BrattyMeg]

I use a timer for my kiddos....easy to set and they hear when it goes off. They have NO concept of time so it's really helped.

[Valgal]

I would do something like that, but they make everything SO complicated! They argue about who got to be on which computer, and why my dd never wants the netbook, and who is allowed in the computer room while the others are playing Minecraff. Everytime I try to set a simple rule they make such a mess out of it that I want to pull my hair out.

But my hair is very pretty and shiny right now since I've been eating better and taking vitamins, so I don't want to do that. ;)

[rach3975]

I lump all tv, computer, and video game time together under "screen time," and they get a certain amount of it each day. If more than 1 child wants the same thing, they get 30 minute turns (with a timer set) then switch off. I haven't had to take away the computer yet because of fighting over it, but they frequently lose screen time for other reasons. I'm guessing that as they get older we'll probably have more arguments about it, but for now they're mostly willing to let my solution (timed turns) stand without too much complaining,

[TeriBeary]

Mine have been known to get timers too but if there is arguing, games, etc. go away. Usually works pretty good. How old are your kids?

[mummytothree]

I may be weird and I'm probably the exception but I don't let my kids on the computer. The only computer time they get is at school. Of course the exception is a school assignment but really I think my girls have only had like 1 a piece all year long.

But like Meg I'm a big fan of the timer...we use a timer for everything!! From taking a shower to brushing our teeth to playing their video games!! :thumbup: So if I ever do start letting them play on a computer...I'd definitely use the timer!!!

[Sharon Kay]

Earn it ... a different colored poker chip for each child (so no stealing between siblings) ... each poker chip is worth say 10 minutes ... they get rewarded for doing school work, cleaning room, etc. ...they can only redeem X number of chips per day except maybe on weekends they can redeem more ... an idea we used to use ...

[jacinda]

Assign each kid a day of the week. Say Eden gets computer time on Mondays, Jake gets computer time on Wednesdays and Johnny gets computer time on Fridays. You get all the days in between. If they argue and fight/moan about it, they lose their day altogether that week. Every other day they must use their imagination and do something else. We limit TV time as well. No TV before school, and only twice in the evenings (during the week) once they've had a decent amount of time outside/doing something else.

I noticed a HUGE difference in our house once I implemented this plan. The kids didn't like it at first, but they got used to it, and now they don't even ask for TV or computer because they are really enjoying themselves outdoors, and using their imaginations a whole lot more. There's no whining, grumbling or fighting that used to come with too much TV/computer time, and we're all much happier overall.

[kscwgirl]

Mine earn/lose chips, and they have to turn the chips in for time on the tablet or computer. Works out well and there's no whining about whose turn it is or anything.

ETA each kid has their own laptop... hand me downs from me.. both are old, but they only play games anyways.

[Sherri Tierney]

My answer... more computers. ;)

We have a family of 4. We have 3 desktops and a laptop. We technically have 4 desktops but one is old and rarely used.

I have MY computer. DH has HIS computer and the kids have a computer. The laptop is used by who ever. No one really likes the laptop but DH will use it while watching TV.

We don't really have any issues with fighting over computers during the school year because the kids just don't have time to be on them. After school its homework, chores, dinner, sports or other evening activities and then evening routine, bath and bed. They might spend 20 minutes on the computer in the evening but rarely more than that. Summers are a different story as are days off from school. That's when having a computer for everyone comes in handy. DH works midnights and sleeps during the day so one of the kids uses his computer during the day and one uses their computer. No arguments this way.

[Lyd]

We're a "more computers" household too. I have my lappy that is MINE. Hubby uses it from time to time if he's just doing something quick and he doesn't want to go down to the basement where his computer is. But, my computer is off limits to the kids. They have their own computer with VERY strict parental controls. They have about 4-5 websites that they can visit (and no others). They have access to our library of kids' movies on the computer as well. That helps a lot when they are fighting over what show to watch on the TV. If one wants to watch a movie, they can watch it on the computer. When there is fighting over the computer, which really doesn't happen very often, I do the timer thing too.

I'm sure as they get older we'll have to give them more internet access and I'm sure there will be more fighting over computer time. But, since hubby is a tech geek, we'll probably just add more computers. LOL.

[mariewilcox]

Well, it's just me and Cheyanne and we have a desktop, laptop, I have a Kindle Fire, and she has an iPod touch - so we're pretty well connected :D I have no issues with Cheyanne having computer time, or any screen time for that matter, when she wants it. She is so busy with school and sports that it ends up being so little time in the course of the week that I let her veg out when she wants.

[rach3975]

Yeah, I suppose we're a "more computers" household, too. DH and I each have a laptop, and the kids don't use ours. I could do without a tv, use a cheap point and shoot camera, etc. as long as I can have my own computer.

We have a desktop that's the kids' computer. We used to let them use my old laptop, too, but it finally got so old and slow that it was just a source of frustration. Back when we had it, that's when we had arguments over who used which computer. Even without it, between the TV and DVD player, kids' computer, Wii, and portable DVD player there are more than enough ways for them to spend their screen time. I'd love to do something with chips when they get older, but for now it's too hard for me to do it that way. Screen time is how I get a little semi-kid-free time to clean or cook dinner, and the days when I have to take it away are harder on me than the kids, LOL.

[Sarah8914]

My kids are little and I don't let them use the comp much... but, I like Jacinda's idea.

My sister in law does something similar that I LOVE!

They have sort of screen time (tv, ipad, wii, comp) every day.. for like 45 minutes. But every kid has a day and they get to pick what they want to do that day first. Then everyone else picks (down the line in birth order starting with who comes after whoever's day it is). If 2 people want the same thing, they split the time. I think this is when their mom makes dinner and each child also has a day to help make dinner.

good luck!

[Valgal]

Assign each kid a day of the week. Say Eden gets computer time on Mondays, Jake gets computer time on Wednesdays and Johnny gets computer time on Fridays. You get all the days in between. If they argue and fight/moan about it, they lose their day altogether that week. Every other day they must use their imagination and do something else. We limit TV time as well. No TV before school, and only twice in the evenings (during the week) once they've had a decent amount of time outside/doing something else.

I noticed a HUGE difference in our house once I implemented this plan. The kids didn't like it at first, but they got used to it, and now they don't even ask for TV or computer because they are really enjoying themselves outdoors, and using their imaginations a whole lot more. There's no whining, grumbling or fighting that used to come with too much TV/computer time, and we're all much happier overall.

This is the best idea I've heard and I wonder why I didn't think of it? My boys are 13 and my daughter is 9, not really at the age for timers and such. IMO earning time and poker chips and all that is a lot of work for me and doesn't fit my way of parenting. The boys spend 99% of the time playing Minecraft, but they make all kinds of program mods and such, I'm proud of what they can do.

They're doing fine today. They DID think (and this is funny) that they could wait up till midnight when the next day 'offically' starts and get on. LOL! Um... no. Nice try.