Summer Fun Doesn't Mean Electronics

There's so much talk about binge watching these past few years that it's become almost common place. However, for kids, it's just not okay, especially when it's summer and the weather is so nice. The same can be said for video game marathons. Here's an easy way to control the electronics, while teaching kids a necessary life skill.

****When it comes to Pinterest, I really have no clue. Honestly, I’ve never used the app. However, my wife has religiously, and in our house, she finds the idea and I’m normally in charge of the creative execution. This series will explore some of the creative ideas we have executed to the delight of our kids.****

On rainy days, sick days, boring winter weekends, my kids like most others like to default into electronics mode. Kids these days... they just can be away from a TV, video game, or smartphone for more than 2 minutes. That just doesn't work for me. I can't stand when they waste a day in front of continuous episodes of some show on Netflix, or fill up the phone memory with game after game, that keep giving me frustraiting notifications slowing the phone down. You know what I'm talking about. So off to Pinterest to find some good ideas. And here's a great one.

My wife came across this simple media card printable. One sheet gives you eight 15 minute increment cards for electronics, so a total of 2 hours. We decided each kid can have one sheet. We printed them, and put them on a construction paper backing, then took them to get laminated (make sure you cut them apart first). Simple enough.

Here's how it works. Each morning, they get their 8 cards. If they watch a TV program together, they each have to give us a card. And then the clock starts. At 15 minutes, they need to move on, or give us another card. Once all cards are collected, that's it, no more electronics for the day. However, if they are acting up, they can lose cards. On the flip side, if they're being extremely helpful, they can earn extra cards. At dinner time, all cards are collected, electronics are done for the day, and we start fresh the next day.

So here's the best part, other than limiting electronics. The kids are learning how to budget their time. They hate losing the cards, and worry they won't have enough. So they are shutting off the TV/video game on their own. It's great! In fact, I don't think there's been a day they've burned up all their cards. I was worried 2 hours a day was too much anyway, but they haven't even been close to that mark. At least not yet.

So best of luck to you if you try this. Hopefully you'll have just as successful results.

Click here for the media cards template.

Chris Carson