Little Gamers

So, our kids love, I mean LOVE to play games on our computer. It's the first thing Owen does each morning and all three take turns throughout the day. Desi had to get on this morning and it caused such a ruckus with Hope and Owen, that it got us thinking. Do these kids feel entitled to just be able to play whenever they want, and how much time are they really spending on this? We talked about it and came up with a system that may work for other parents in our predicament.

I printed up "Computer Game Tickets" worth 10 minutes each. We told the kids that we'd be awarding tickets for various accomplishments throughout the day that they could save and or turn in for computer play. They each have an envelope on the fridge with their name to store their tickets. They get tickets 3 times a day for brushing teeth after each meal. For each hour of school Hope does (about 2 a day) she gets a ticket. They can do various extra jobs for tickets. Owen and Emma get a ticket for staying dry through the night. Hope can earn tickets by reading aloud to her siblings or us.

Hope used her first ticket right away and boy did those 10 minutes go by fast! She was so upset and felt like that was not any time at all! I talked to her about earning more tickets and the idea of saving till she had 3 or 4 so she could play for 30 or 40 minutes at a time. She liked the idea and currently has 4 tickets in her envelope. Thank God for good ideas!
~Rose