In a world full of technology it seems like every minute could be dedicated to sitting in front of a device. With inventions such a Minecraft, Candy Crush, Netflix, Instagram, Facebook, and allllll the other favorites there can be little time for playing outdoors and disconnecting. That is, unless you set guidelines and stick to them. My girls are 8 and 9 now and they love playing on iPads or the computer, watching TV, and playing video games. As parents, we think all of those things are perfectly fine….in moderation. So this summer we have set up a system for earning screen time for kids, and limiting it as well.
To earn screen time the girls must complete several tasks each day. Their must do’s include:
- Being dressed, brushed hair, brushed teeth
- Read for 20 minutes
- Played (20 min), built, or crafted something
- Finished your math problem of the day
- Written at least one paragraph
- Completed one chore
- Made your bed & cleaned your room
If you want to print these Screen Time Tickets you are in luck. I created a pdf that have 6 tickets per page.
Once they have completed all of their tasks they earn two 3o minute screen time tickets. That adds up to one hour of screen time per day which we feel is a good amount of time. There are exceptions…including our Friday Night Movie Night tradition where screen time tickets are exempt. Going to see a movie at the movie theater is exempt as well. Clearly what goes on at their friends houses is out of my control.
The girls can save their screen time tickets, which is perfect if they want to watch a longer movie. They can also earn extra screen time tickets for any reason my husband and I deem appropriate, but mainly consists of BEING NICE to each other and following directions the first time. Conversely, they can lose a screen time ticket if their attitudes are horrible (it happens too frequently around here).
I am sharing this Summer Screen Time printable with you. I recommend laminating it and having your kids mark off each step with a dry erase marker each day. If you laminate the Screen Time Tickets they will last much longer too. If you don’t have a laminator you can use contact paper from the Dollar Tree instead. It may not wipe off as cleanly as laminating it would though.
My girls each want their own Summer Screen Time sheet so I may print and laminate another one. They are doing a good job sharing though….so I am still on the fence. I did change the image that I used between my first draft and the one I posted for you. I know some of my friends want to use this with their sons, so I deleted the girl and put an image of devices there instead.
We want to know – what works for YOU when limiting and earning screen time at your house? Please leave us a comment
See also:
Frugal Summer Fun Ideas: Summer Theme Week Ideas
Printable Chore Chart for Kids
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