Computer games are an irresistible temptation for some kids. They never seem to get enough computer time, and when there is more than one kid in the household, negotiating computer turns can get complicated. If your children are older, you can use this experience as an opportunity for your children to practice their negotiation skills. For younger children, you may simply have to set out the rules and enforce them.
Step 1
Set a length of time that you consider to be a reasonable amount of time to play a computer game, and double it to verify that there is enough time in the schedule to allow both kids to have a full turn. For example, if you decide that 30 minutes is a decent computer turn, make sure there is an hour, or at least two 30-minute periods, available in the daily schedule.
Step 2
Add some padding time to each turn. No one wants to get up and walk away in the middle of a race or a battle simply because the timer went off. If you allow the first child to go over their time to finish a race, be sure that the schedule is not so tight that the second child loses several minutes of their turn.
Step 3
Define what activities are included in computer turns. For example, if you have a child in junior high and one in early elementary school, the older child may need to use the computer for research or to write a term paper. Explain to the younger sibling that this is work, not play, and therefore does not count against the older sibling's computer time. Consider making several educational websites or games available as "work time" for the younger child.
Step 4
Put a timer near the computer so that both kids know how much time they have left to spend on the computer. For younger kids, a visual timer is a great tool.
Tips and Warnings
- If one child seems to monopolize the family computer, setting formal computer times can help a more reluctant child develop necessary computer literacy skills.
Things You'll Need
- Timer
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