Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:42:56 GMT

mother777 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:42:56 GMT

And by the way, my DD is happy doodling/drawing right now. I prefer kids to read, draw, paint, play games with siblings or friends… Anything except just sit next to junk box tv mindlessly or just play video games…

If my DD request to go to play ground, I am feel most happy. But unfortunately not many kids visit play ground these days. In the end, she has to play with my younger son or play badminton with me.

Cycling is something she loves too. But most evenings are raining now a days…

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:33:40 GMT

mother777 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:33:40 GMT

True…

I lock the iPad in my room while going to office. If I realise DD never complete her homework and watch tv the whole day…

First step: remove the smart card from set-up box.

If still never complete home work, immediately remove the whole set-up box from the living room.

The next day will check the computer history to see if she was playing games… If yes, will block her commonly used websites like YouTube etc.

We have to be strict with kids where technology is considered. Have to clearly show we are the parents and set the rules in the house. But do explain why we are doing this. When there is a news in kids being lured by adults posing as youngsters… I will tell my DD… Make her afraid of chatting to strangers and all…

My DD is going P3 this year. Already have advised her the bad effects of chatting or clicking links which promises free games etc…kids should know what is right and wrong?

If they encounter anything shocking online (some game links can take you straight to porn…) must report to parent also…

If DD finish all her homework ( I mean properly, in good legible handwriting and not rush thru) then let her watch cartoons or play iPad games.
In reward, I like to buy her favourite story books often. Makes her very happy.

After all we were kids once, know how kids mind works. They will try to emotionally blackmail you to surrender. But do not do that… Once you give in… They will learn to emotionally blackmail by crying, not eating etc etc…

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:26:43 GMT

kiasu--carer — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:26:43 GMT

kwcllf:

I learned this from personal experience. Must really CONTROL usage before it gets out of hands.

Yes, timer is set to block internet on weekdays until 9pm. Son sleeps at 9pm so we can use internet at night.

Ipad Pattern lock times out after 5mins.

Password protected to log into computer.

Usage is controlled automatically at many levels.

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:16:06 GMT

kwcllf — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:16:06 GMT

kiasu--carer:
I had same problem with my son. My husband put timer restriction on Wifi and pattern lock on Ipad.

After a while, son knows cannot use either until finish homework.

Works for us.

A note of caution. Even if the kids finished all their homework, still must limit their use. If not, they would try to rush to complete homework and play computer games. Although they may have completed their homework, their minds are never far away from wanting to play computer games.

I learned this from personal experience. Must really CONTROL usage before it gets out of hands.

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:49:50 GMT

kiasu--carer — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:49:50 GMT

I had same problem with my son. My husband put timer restriction on Wifi and pattern lock on Ipad.

After a while, son knows cannot use either until finish homework.

Works for us.

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:21:15 GMT

kwcllf — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:21:15 GMT

As mentioned, uninstall all his game apps. Remove your wifi or restrict internet usage, if not completely bar usage.

He may throw tantrums but better start to regain control ASAP. As the saying goes "better be late than never".

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:07:39 GMT

Truth Hurts — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 04:07:39 GMT

I have done drastic things to my son as well to stop them from playing apps the whole day. But some how or other, I am just not firm enough. My will power melts once he gives me his pitiful look ; (

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 01:44:36 GMT

MoonFlower — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 01:44:36 GMT

I was so fed up with my boy playing his xbox non stop and having his friend coming over and jeopardise our scehdule, I unplugged and kept his xbox. I dont care if he throws tantrums and I send him to do outdoor activites instead. He was upset with me thinking that I will bring out for him and his friend to play this evening.

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:10:39 GMT

Skyed — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:10:39 GMT

Truth Hurts:
Hi Parents

Any idea how I can wean my boy off the App Games on iPad this holidays?
When I restrict his playing hours, he throws tantrums. I would like him to read more books and start preparing for Sec 1.

Can anyone share success stories please?

Thanks

Bring the iPad to work. Set a password on your internet Wifi and don't tell him. That should take care of it. Just ignore the tantrums imo. He'll stop with them when he realises they don't work anymore.

Reply to Weaning my son off computers and iPad Apps on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 01:49:07 GMT

ngl2010 — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 01:49:07 GMT

Maybe you can tell him that he can use iPad after he finishes his reading? But everyday you must set reading target for him…