Setting limits on video game time?

[KalamazooMom]

We got a Wii for a family Xmas gift. We had tons of fun with it over the break. Previously we didn't have any video games besides a few that the kids were allowed to play on the computer. I told them they could play as much as they wanted over vacation but once school started we were going to have to have some restrictions on how much they could play. I'm particularly concerned about my DS (6) who played a TON-- one day he played for 4 hours straight! So I'm thinking maybe only one hour a day and only after homework is done? Another friend of mine only allows her kids to play on weekends. I was also thinking of maybe setting up a system where they could earn time by reading books or doing chores? How do others deal with this? Perhaps it will become less of an issue once the newness wears off?

[MJB]

My kids get 45 minutes of screen time a day and they can choose Wii or TV. They almost always pick Wii. It was 30 minutes until a few mos. ago when my oldest son made the case for getting a little more, since "he works so hard in school all day." Once a week we watch a movie as a family, and they don't get any other screen time on that day.

[cedoreilly]

The rule in our house is that video games are only played on Fridays after school.

[Alyantavid]

We do limit them some. Always after homework and only 30 minutes on week days. Weekends, I let him play more.

[tinuviel_k]

Right now we have a limit of about twice a week for video games.

[Tatsuta-hime]

My dh came up with two great ideas. First with the video games. My ds (6 yo) loves games on the computer. When it was getting too much dh made a deal. Ds could play games for as much time as he "earned.". Dh would set a timer and as long as ds cleaned, helped with his 2 yo brother or did other tasks, he could earn time. A couple caveats: not all chores counted. It had to be above and beyond the normal chores required as being part of the family. Also, we could dictate when he could use the time and how much at once. This plan was amazing! My ds went from whining and asking for help every 5 minutes when asked to pick up the play room to cleaning for 2 1/2 hours straight without a single bit of nagging. It also helps him with counting, telling time and calculating time.

For TV time my dh came up with another idea. We've got satellite tv and we record most of what ds wants to watch. He gets to watch one or two 1/2 hour shows per day. It's up to him whether it's one or two. The deal is, if he fast-forwards through all the commercials, he can watch two. If he watches commercials, he gets one. He'll always choose to fast- forward. It's great. Without the commercials it is actually about 45 minutes, and we avoid all the, "I want that!" issues as well as the brainwashing that happens with commercials.

I hope this helps!