Computer time/TV/video Games During the Summer

I always found it easier to enforce screen time if it was done in a more general way. For example, instead of saying you have X hours of TV/games I would say you can play as much as you want all morning but it all goes off after lunch. That gave ME some flexibility as well. I could always push lunch back a little later if I was trying to get something done and wanted the kids to stay occupied a bit longer :)
As far as the "helping" I just have to laugh, my son used to do the same thing with his sister. I usually let them work it out on their own. Even after complaining about her brother taking over my daughter continued to ask him to get her to the next level or more health or whatever. Good luck with that!

beginning several years ago, I implemented a rule which has worked out great for us: no electronics of any kind....until you spend time outside.

There were days when my son didn't make it back inside! :) LOL! I consider this a great achievement!

Soooo, 1st question: seriously & honestly, I think they don't need more than an hour each day! I'm pretty hardcored when it comes to limiting screen time. With my daycare, they watch 1 show/day...if that!

2nd question: simplest solution...taking turns on a daily basis. & for the 2nd part: a few rounds of sis taking over his turn (with your supervision) will stop Mr. Crowd Her Out. :)

If you keep them busy with chores, projects, exercise, playdates and extra curricular activities, you should have no trouble keeping their screentime to 1-2 hrs a day this summer.

Just have each child, have their OWN time, at the computer.
You just tell them.
When/if my kids are on the computer, whether it be for doing academics or play, I simply tell them "It is your brother's/sister's turn. Don't interfere. You go and do something else." Each person has their own time on it.

Or since your kids can read by now, simply make a poster, with a "schedule" on it, per what time they can be on it

Computer time, is either, (at least for my kids), doing academics or just playing games. And, I have them do school work/academics on it too.
Not only games and not only them, deciding.

By the way: www.khanacademy.org is a GREAT site, for kids to learn math or to keep up with learning math.
It is FREE.
Even Bill Gates is a fan of this site.
They can do this, during the summer.

During the summer, I highly recommend, having a "schedule" for them, on the computer. Doing academics/studying. Or get workbooks for them.
So that, they don't forget what they learned all year, or to help them increase their skills for subjects that they may be weak in.

Also, when or if you want the tv or electronics off. Just turn it off. Tell them. You decide.
And, have other activities for them to do, for days you are all home.
ie: craft kits, housework, teaching them how to cook, gardening or do container gardening, playing games, etc.
AND, have them read books over the summer. "Assign" them, a book list. Say, reading a book a week kind of thing.
Go to the library with them.
And have them write a short summary about the book.
Also get a composition tablet, and have them write a "journal" during the summer.

I don't necessarily worry about setting a time limit on tv or video games, but I do insist that they go outside to play when the weather is nice. So, about 11:00 a.m all games, tv, etc. go off and the kiddos go outside to play. They can come back in, but I usually don't allow the video games/tv in the afternoon because that it play time. So, go outside to play or play with other things in your room, or do an art project but do something other than tv/video games.

As for handling the picks, I set a timer. Each child gets their undisturbed time. IF they ask for another child's help, that's fine, but when their time is up, it's up.

We are in Texas, so my kids play outside in the morning and evening during the summer. I refuse to pay high electric bills therefore the house is kept pretty warm during the day. Saying that, b/c it is so hot, vegging in front of the TV w/ a fan blowing in our faces is pretty much the only option. Although, they have to watch what I want as well, so it's not Kid TV all day. As far as playing video games, I only give about an hour a day - combined, not each.

My kids are 11 & 14. Taking them places costs a bundle since they only like Six Flags, water parks or go-kart racing and the like. The days of going to the park, zoo or pool are over - they are too cool for that :( They do read a lot

I restrict computer/game/ipod touch time in the Summer unless it's crappy outside, we're on a long road trip, or it's dark out. Otherwise, they need to be reading books or get outdoors.

I try not to get too crazy about being strict on how much time they can play with electronics, whatever it may be. In the summer, we swim in the mornings when its cooler (only upper 90's!) because at 5pm its the hottest part of the day for us (usually at least 105) and that is when we will be in the house. I have decided to do a schedule during the summer like I did last summer. My kids still need help with math facts so I think I'm going to let them be on the computer playing math games and depending on how they do with that, then they can do something *they* want to do on there. We also take part of our day to read and relax after we swim in the mornings. And I understand about the young one that can't be alone! My 9 yo son is like that and drives my 12 yo dtr and myself crazy! I'm actually thinking of sending him to the boys/girls club this summer, its only $85 per week and they do activities with the kids so he will have more fun there. Then I can spend some quality time with my daughter who needs more one on one with me since she's going into Jr High. So I don't think there is any hard fast rules. If you try to entertain the kids all day long with no electronics, you are a better person than me! Good luck! =)

I made up a schedule for my kids. And with you being home it will be easyer. I had to try to enforce it over the phone. Have set times that she gets to choose and set times he get's to choose. Made it much easier when they aregued well whos time is it.

Good luck and God Bless!