Here is an example of using incentive and reinforcement rather than punishment to limit screen time.
Place chores on cards or popsicle sticks. Each chore “earns” a certain amount of screen time. For instance:
- Emptying dishwasher (10 minutes)
- Folding laundry (10 minutes)
- Cleaning the bathroom (15 minutes)
- Taking out the trash (5 minutes)
- and more…
Let your children pick the tasks they want to do. For each chore they complete, they earn some screen time (perhaps you can set a limit as to how many they can earn in a day). This way they complete 3-4 chores a day, and you limit their screen time. Setting up an incentive and earn dynamic around screen time is very effective.
Now, the next thing to think about is how to talk to your children about their choices with screen time–a big topic! To start, check out this article, Nine Secrets to Managing your Child’s Screen Time.
