Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Creating Some Structure
Since our kids are still fairly young, we are still getting into routines--chores, homework, bedtime, etc. I wish there was a manual that said "This is how you do it" and laid my day out for me. Since we got the Wii for Christmas my latest question is "How much time do I allow for video games?". I've been toying around with a few ideas, but I want to be consistent and reinforce limits that will help my children be balanced in their lives. The video games are a great reward for homework and chores accomplished, and the boys don't play unless they've done these things, but I thought I'd ask all you great moms what works for you. I'd love to hear your ideas.
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6 comments:
I read recently in a Love and Logic article that school aged children shouldn't play more than 2 hours per day. That seems like a lot to me anyway; We allow an hour on the nintendo but it's all so different for everybody, ya know?
I don't know anything myself, but my sister limits her almost 5-year-old to one hour only on certain days of the week. Sometimes he gets really wound up playing, so she felt like she needed be strict about it. She sets a timer and he really responds well to the structure. He likes calling it "Wii Wednesdays" or whatever. :) But like Annalee said, it really depends on the child. Good luck!
What's worked for us is just not get the wii. :) Our boy is only 2 so we haven't ventured that far, yet! I will be tuning in to see what all the wise moms have to say so that we can be ready when our day comes!
My girls don't play any sort of video games, but when it comes to watching t.v. or playing on the computer they have a list of things to do before they can do either one: get dressed, comb hair, brush their teeth, make their bed, practice the piano, do a chore, etc.
When I first started, I made a little chart that had a picture of each one (for the younger ones who couldn't read) and they could move a little magnet from the "not done" side to the "done" side, but now they just know which things they have to get done. By the time they're done doing all these things it's practically the end of the day (ha-ha) and they don't have as much time left to play. (They got these things done really quick the first couple days, but then it's slowed down a lot.) Make sure you always encourage non-electric toy-playing.
A routine also helps...like a set time that they can play during the day, but don't 'make' them play, if they don't ask during that time.
Anyway, that's what works for me, but girls are also so much different than boys, but just the fact that you're thinking about it makes you a great mom! (Sorry I wrote quite the book)
Here are my wise words of wisdom...ha ha. The Wii is the perfect bribe for anything when it comes to Rylan. He does about whatever I want just so he can play. He only gets to play 1/2 an hour during the week and a little more on weekends. Good luck on finding what works for you!
My suggestion would be to let your back yard neighbors come over quite often to hog the time on the Wii. Then, your kids won't have a chance to play it. Just make sure there are plenty of treats available...
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