I think there has to be strict rules in place right from the start and you start as you mean to go on. NEVER allow extra time because it suits you. There are strict time limits and bad behaviour and a fuss when time is up means less time for tomorrow. In the end they will learn that you stick to the rules because acting up NEVER gets rewarded and only causes there to be less time tomorrow and sometimes means you have a day where there is no screen time at all.

Who’s the parent here? Who’s in charge? Seems to me pretty clear what needs to be done, don’t battle, just do!

I have 13yr old twin boys and an 11 yr old girl and my kids are limited to 10 hours of screen time per week!

Yes I’m a tough mum but one day they will thank me for the fact that I made them go outside and play

It’s a tough one, maybe try and distract them with something else.

We were in the same boat. We tried limiting times, timers, “broken” excuses but the nagging was relentless. In the end we just put all the screens away. It was really crap for about a week from tears and nagging but since then, the kids haven’t asked for a screen at all. They just know they aren’t going to get it.

I always limited the boys to tv for 1/2 hour once they were ready for school and in the afternoon it was an hour once their homework was done. I also turned off the internet so they could only use any game that was downloaded. They soon got bored and would go out and play with their friends instead. Worked for me but won’t necessarily work for many others

My friend told her daughter the red You Tube button was broken after she removed it from the iPad. She continued to ask for a number of hours, but from that day it has not been an issue. You are the parent first and must set boundaries for your child. I absolutely know they can wear you down, but you have to stick to your guns.

My now 9yr old had a tablet, threw it once on the floor when she was very angry. It broke beyond repair. So far we chose to never replace it. She has been trying to break her sisters tablet as well (out of jealousy), when that breaks we `will replace it.

Children are getting younger and younger, using devices. It’s such a tough subject as everyone believes different, but like everything what might work for one family might not for another, it’s all personal choice.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 26 Apr 2019 , 7:21 am

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  You have to do what you think is right, don’t be bothered by other people’s opinion.

It may take effort in part of the parent. We’re all guilty of it but to inspire another activity you may have to get down and play, too. That can be more exciting for them when mum is involved. My daughter loves it if I play a board game with her or cards like snap are so simple and quick results.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 17 Apr 2019 , 4:37 am

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  Kids do love games and they love it when their parents join in and play board games, card games and with toys.

My son knows he can watch things (educational) when I’m getting ready for work in the morning or at the end of a long day when I’m getting dinner ready. Hes 2 and while he asks for it sometimes all day, I’m the mum and I say no. If he doesn’t like that – tough! We go and play outside or do some drawing or something and soon enough hes forgotten all about it

When you take the iPad away do you tell him to go and play, or do you sit and do something with him? Reading a book, playing a game or with his fave toy may help him transition better, with less tantrums. Good luck with your battle

I let my kids use the iPad but I only have educational games and educational programs like mister maker on it

Zero time ideally but I think a few hours a week. Whatever you can manage to enforce and if it is educational it will be a tad better than non educational use.

Once my daughter was about 4 I started negotiating with her and explaining her options to her so she could choose her response. It was rough to start but eventually it worked well and still does now and she is 8

It is so hard, I can see it in my 2 yr old. The only thing that makes it better is zero time! But that is hard,

Must distract them with more exciting things

Luckily – lots of outside and other activities – not had this issue.

Definitely unrealistic.. do what you have to do mumma

Children need clear rules around acceptable and appropriate behaviours . The key is to be consistent.