Computer Time

Any time that they are just sitting sedentary for any length of time should be limited. Sedentary would be considered tv, video games (on machine or computer), or playing with things such as putting puzzles together, legos, etc. Kids need as much exercise as they can get, and these days it hard to do. You can't just let them go outside without supervision anymore like we did when we were kids. And what parent has time to go outside to supervise them. We are all so busy these days.

Our son, age 7, is allowed very little TV/video game time during the school week. He might watch a little in the morning while getting dressed/eating breakfast. But, when he starts allowing the tv to sidetrack his morning routine, it's taken away. In the evenings, if he has had a good day at school and has all homework done, he gets to watch no more than an hour of "his choice" TV. How much is dependent on how much time we have in the evening before it bath and bed time.

On the weekend, we're a little more lenient, actually a lot more lenient. We make sure he has active time either indoors or out, but we really don't limit how much time is spent with the TV on. He's into Star Wars right now, so he'll turn on a movie and get his SW gear out and play along with the movie. When playing video games, if it is "sit still" games, he is allowed only an hour per day on the weekend. If it is a Wii move around game, he can play as long as he wants.

Hi E.,

Fellow Mom and Parent Coach J. B. here. Most child development experts recommend limiting electronics for children. A vital part of their development is unstructured time to use their imaginations and creativity in free play. The more time they spend doing anything with electronics, the less inclined they are to do this.

As you can see by the responses, there are many ways to do this. You can set a daily limit, set a policy tied to accomplishments (yes, you can play electronics after chores or homework, etc.) or a period or event in the day (after nap or dinner).

It looks like your daughter is pretty young, so now is a great time to consider your family policy on electronics. This can and should change as your daughter grows.

Good luck,
Parent Coach J. B

This blog has some good pointers on play for children also some info on recommended educational software for children. You don't mention her age but pediatricians recommend no TV before 2 yrs and that likely applies to computer games.
http://blogs.goddardsystems.com/Cedar-Park-TX/2009/09/30/...
http://blogs.goddardsystems.com/Cedar-Park-TX/2009/06/22/...

depends, if rainy, snowy outside they can do up to 3 hrs (www.nickjr.com or www.starfall.com. or i have the hooked on phonics CDs.). On a good day, when I have things planned then 1 hr each.
My kids don't watch much tv. i like that they're using the computer. I spread out those 1 or 2 hrs so that it doesn't hurt their eyes much.
ps mine are 5 years old

I also limit the computer time, as I do T.V. time. Usually an hour of computer time, because I worry about their eyes. I also beleive my kids learn just as much from spending time with their family, playing and talking is always a good thing. Weither it is inside or outside. Just my thought.

E.,
I limit it. We do every other day and at the MOST 2 hrs. although it usually is a fought over commodity and ends up being about 1/2hr for each of my girls. And like you, I make sure they are educational games. I still think they need limits and to experience real life and interactions with each other.
Good luck
E.

I do not limit TV time but during the school week I have a "NO ELECTRONICS" rule...no computer, XBOX, Wii, PSP, DS, whatever...

On the weekends my kids have no limits on any of it. I do have a grip of kids though, so in reality, no one kid gets anything for any real length of time...benefits to having a large family:)

You do not say how old your daughter is but just use your best judgment...if you feel she is getting too "addicted" set some rules.

I try not to "control screen time"...so far "life" has gotten in the way (as I am sure happens at your house too!) and we have not yet had to worry about them "rotting out their brains"! :)

Karma

YES! limit this time. it is just like TV time. educational or not, time at the computer is still time spent NOT interacting with real people, NOT playing, NOT doing anything. 20 mins is plenty of time to explore the homepage, pick a character, and play 1 or 2 games. done.

I have a (almost)2 yr old and a (almost) 7yr old. we record curious george, dinosaur train, and sesame street on the DVR and they can watch 2 of the 3 a day. that can be as much as 1.5 hrs of TV, which i still think is too much. but on the DVR, when the show ends, you just turn it off, there's no continuing programming. other than that, it's the weather channel, which we call the sunshine channel, to check the forecast. other than THAT, it's a music channel with the TV picture turned OFF, so we can hear the music w/o the pictures.
my son goes on PBS kids or NICK JR, but only while i am dressing his little sister (20 mins or so as a time). He has a Webkinz toy, and that has an online component that he does w/ his dad. he is not allowed on webkinz alone.
He got a nintendo DS for xmas (ARG! thanks, gramma - NOT!) and we limit that as well. it is harder w/ the DS b/c it is "his" so he feels he can use it like any other toy. but we've explained it is very expensive and he is being trusted with it. he has to keep it in his dad's office, and can't take it out w/o permission. then he is not allowed on for very long 20-30 mins.

Yes, computer time is very similar to tv time. I would highly recommend limits and guidelines. You may want to say a total of 2 hours a day tv and/or computer time and let her choose which is more important to her. Maybe limit during the week (if she goes to school) and allow more time during the weekend. Keep in mind alot of the "games" can be addicting in nature.