jamnkats Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 So I think my kids get too much screen time. When the boys were young (the girls age) they never had even seen a computer. Now everyone is on their computer at night and the girls get very little reading time in - they'd rather watch a movie (we have no TV reception) or play on the computer. They do love the Biggest Brain game on FB and I definitely encourage that, and play Age of Empires and Runescape. I honestly wouldn't have a problem with the computer usage but for the fact that no-one is reading anymore - even when I offer. So we had a family meeting and as of 10am today will be DVD, computer and screen-time free for 2 weeks. Me too! ACK! :) The only one not participating is DH who can't live without internet access. Everyone can check email 2x a day. We live remotely in Mexico and the internet seems to be our lifeline and entertainment in the late hours. the kids are generally playing or doing whatever (not computer or DVDs) until about 9pm at night and then they're watching movies/computer until 1-3am. Doesn't this sound excessive? I found lots of TVfree advice and ideas but they are alll from people who seem to be curbing a daytime TV problem. My kids never use computers or movies until after 9pm. So, I need ideas. But before 10am because I'll be cut off then (well, all the kids will still be asleep, so they'll never know :)). If you're TV/movie/computer free, what do you do during your late night hours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 sleep. Our bedtime is 9:30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Same here.... sleep..... So NOT night owls here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamnkats Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 bump - we've already ammended this to, research on the computer and school work on the computer is ok. any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 My children do not get computer time really. My daughter can play a card game once in a while but really no time. if something needs to be researched I assist her. So, no tv but we do watch movies at our designated weekly movie night on Sunday nights. 1-2 movies. Sometimes during the week they are allowed to watch a school movie(animal,history,science,etc) but to go along with our school work. My children go to bed earlier than yours but we all read, play games and clean. There is always a cage needed to be cleaned so if there is free time that someone doesn't know whatto do with themselves they get to clean a cage.:tongue_smilie: Only you can decide what is excessive for your children on the tv/comp. time. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 (edited) Board games, card games, puzzles, listen to music. Plus, I think bed time should be midnight at the latest. But establishing a wake up time is more important. After getting up earlier for a while they will be tired enough to go to sleep sooner. Edited January 18, 2009 by Lovedtodeath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Gee i didn't get to choose my own bedtime until i was 14. Up until then it was 8pm until i was 9 then 8.30pm until i was 12, then 9.30pm until 14, then i was when homework was all finished. I was also up in the morning by 8am at the latest. I think you need to start with some ground rules. Bed time and wake up time. As for ideas, listen to music, play board games, read, general discussion, you could hold a weekly debate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hathersage Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 well, having screen time in late hours keeps one up longer than they would normally go to sleep without it. So establishing a cut off time in the evening is key. If they want to stay up late then they should do do without the screen time. it messes with sleep patterns. so could they use their screen time before 9, and then do other things later? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Once it's gone things happen. It might take more than 2 weeks though. My dd is a bit of a night owl but finds plenty to do. She checks her email and does some art or photo stuff on the computer but only if school and music practice is done. For years it was only 15 - 30 minutes a day. We watch occasional movies. I find we talk more with the media off. Wishing you well with your new plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamnkats Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Well, last night was lovely (this computer time of mine is considered "research" :)). We listened to Prarie Home Companion (as usual) as a family, everyone was around to make pizza (usually just the youngest is) and until the 7yo (possibly broke) injured her ankle, it was a stellar night. :( I think we're learning as we go along. It is interesting that this is completely voluntary - anyone can opt out if they want - yet they all want to see just how addicted they are by abstaining. I think *I* might be the most "addicted" of them all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 I think *I* might be the most "addicted" of them all. Isn't that the way it always is? At least it has been for me. . . :D I hope your 7yo's ankle is ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Well, last night was lovely (this computer time of mine is considered "research" :)). I think *I* might be the most "addicted" of them all. And you aren't abstaining! :D tsk tsk. My excuse is that I rock DS to sleep in front of the computer. I suppose I could read something else on here instead of these boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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