i have a 4yo dd and a 6yo dd. we only allow computer or video games on the weekends. they also have to have their chores done and be dressed. usually i limit it to about an hour, but i have been guilty many times of letting them play quietly while i get my stuff done. fortunately they usually forget come the weekend so we can actually go weeks at a time with them not playing.
We usually limit "screen time" (tv/computer/video games) to 1/2 hour during the week. Weekends are different, how long he plays sometimes depends on how much DH and I have to get done, although we say the limit is 1 hour.
I think the problem with playing too much is that they're not being active and creative while they're playing on the computer/video games. There are some good educational games out there, but I've found that my son's behavior is better when screen time is limited so we try to do more hands- on educational games. He particularly likes Math Ball- I divided a bouncy ball into 12 sections and wrote numbers 1-12. We bounce it back and forth and he has to add/subract/multiply whatever numbers are under whatever fingers I call out.
We make our son earn his video/computer time/ tv time by giving rewards for completing daily tasks. the coins add up quick. I only let him watch or play 30min-1 hr a day during the week and if he has been good 3 hrs on the weekends. it is a social thing with his friends as well. they play when they are here. he is good at it and it makes him feel good. But it needs to be monitored closely for behavior issues then we cut back and take it away. He snaps up pretty quick then.6 year old dd loves computer games, she has adhd, she could spend a couple of hours playing!
All of her games are aducational ex: reader rabbit, and some princess games, other typs of learning games.
Can it be to much, or is learning games farely safe to let them play for along time, whats your opinion?
I'm no expert, just giving our personal situation: Our 5 year loves his learning games also, we usually set the timer for anywhere from 15-30 min, depending on how good he's been. Once I let him go for an hour, only because I was benefitting and getting things done!! It was for my own sanity! I guess the way I look at it, at least they are learning games and they are working their little brains!We have 1 hour of "screen time" per day on weekends, and none during the school week. During school holidays, like now, we will allow a small amount during the week, usually 1/2 to 1hour, for the whole week, so DD must choose wisely.
Learning, educational or not I limit the amount of time DD is sitting mindlessly punching buttons or doing nothing but watching.
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