With my kids officially out of school, I, along with lots other parents I’m sure, am gearing up for loads of free time. And that means trying to figure out how to manage screen time for the kids. Over the last few months, I’ve put together a very simple marble jar system to help manage their incessant requests for the iPad, television and MORE MINECRAFT PLEEEEASE, and it has made my life so much easier.

Even better, it’s teaching them valuable lessons that they can apply to life beyondĀ the computer screen.

 

Related: 8 smart ways parents can manage screen time and not lose their minds

 

What you’ll need:Ā 

– One jar for each kid, labeled with his or herĀ name. I found these at a local craft store, but plastic is fine too. And we used our Mabel’s Labels but aĀ Sharpie works too.

– Marbles.

– A timer. I like using a kitchen timer, but you can certainly use your smartphone timerĀ as well.

 

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Creating a screen time management system that works | Cool Mom Tech

How it works:Ā 

Your kids earn marbles by doing chores, making good choices, or whatever you feel in your householdĀ warrants a marble.

In my home for example, marbles are earned forĀ regular chores, or individualized things like my oldest emptying the dishwasherĀ or my toddler staying in herĀ bed all night. There are alsoĀ one-off opportunities likeĀ washing my car, or weeding the garden. Really, it’s what works best for your family so determine how many marbles can be earned thenĀ dropped in each kid’s jar.

Next, determine how much screen time each marbleĀ is worth.

In my house, each chore generally earnsĀ one marble which is worth 15 minutes of screen time. However I set limits: The kidsĀ can cash in a maximum of four marblesĀ every day–though I might allow a little more over the summer, especially if they’ve been playing outside for some of the day.

When the kids want screen time, they know to check their jar and pay me the right amount of marbles. Then I set the timer and let them know when time’s up.

Then, there are some times when we have movie night, or I just need them to watch a show for a bit so I can finish up with dinner so I allow a few freebies. Rules are made to be broken (or at least bent) after all.

 

Related: Osmo Coding is screen time you can feel good about.

 

What not to do:

ReallyĀ important: This works best when it’s not a reward/punishment system. In other words, don’t take awayĀ marbles as punishment for bad behavior;Ā Ā instead,Ā have the children pay you in marbles for certain choices that they get to make.

For example, if my kids are whining about cleaning up a mess they made in the living room, I tell them that they can either do it themselves for free, they can pay me three marblesĀ for me toĀ help, orĀ they can pay me ten marblesĀ and I will do it for them.

Let’s just say I’ve neverĀ had to clean up their rooms for them since instituting this system.

 

Related: 6 screen time management solutions that work, from been-there-done-that parents

 

Why I love it:

Toca Boca Birthday App via flickr

Unlike lots of other token systems that involve star charts orĀ checklists (thatĀ as a mom of four I can neverĀ keep up with), this is a system that really teaches myĀ kids about rewards and making good choices. They are gaining an understanding of expectations and of limits. They’re learning how to budget and spend wisely. Also, I really like that they are gettingĀ some level of control in all of it–I’m not simply doling out rewards haphazardly.

But most of all, while they’re definitely notĀ in front of aĀ computer or TV screenĀ day and all night, theyĀ still getĀ some time to enjoy their electronics. It might even make them appreciate that time more.

 

Related: Screen Time Manager: A cool free app

 

Need more handy tech tips and tricks for parents? Check our archives and follow our Tech Tips and Tricks pinterest board.Ā 

Photo Credits: Wayan Vota via Compfight ccĀ ,Ā Toca Boca via Compfight cc

 

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