what do you do about tv time with more than 1 child?

[SilveryMoon]

I have 2 ds's. They constantly argue over the telly so I end up completely banning it. They argue over whose turn it is to choose a program or whether or not to play the computer.
How do others split the use of 1 tv fairly without it being on all day?

I also notice much better behaviour from them when the telly hasn't been on. If it's on they shou and cry when it's time to turn it off. I want to throw the thing out of the window.
They share a room too so one each is not really an option.
Would be interested to hear what others do

Or what about when one has been good and I want to reward with some tv time and the other one hasn't?

3dc, 7, 6 and 3. Telly often on in front room for older ones while I cook tea. 3 year old has tablet with iPlayer on in the kitchen with me. I also ban it when arguments get too much or they won't turn it off without moaning.

At weekends, I like to sit with them all and watch a film on DVD. I watch a fair bit of tv and lots of films, and as long as what they are watching is age appropriate, I think they get a lot from it.

I had that today - dc2 had lost tv priviledges. The other two watched together in the front room, dc2 did hams beads in the kitchen while I cooked. This wasn't always easy to implement, but they do finally understand that if they have lost tv time for the day, it doesn't mean everyone else has too.

Hama beads!

Thanks GTB. mine are 5 and 7 and I just can't take the arguing. I've just spent an hour trying to get ds2 in the bath.
He refused so sent him straight to bed and now he's kicking off. So much so that I've had to send ds1 to bed in my room

And when they are being good, how do you split who watches what?
I will have to find a way to keep one entertained if they lose tv time. No table space in kitchen or anything

So hard isn't it, I have definitely been there (just a night or two ago!)

Generally the older two like the same programmes, it's the little one who likes different things, hence her watching on the tablet in the kitchen with me (plus I can keep a closer eye on her). If the older dc do want to watch different things, they have to work it out between them how to split the time they have. They are now fully versed in the remote control and most of the stuff they watch is either recorded or on catch up, so they police themselves. Has been a long time coming though, a year or two ago it wasn't like that at all.

Something he could do upstairs while you get on with stuff in earshot?

We're in a 2 bed flat. Very little escape space which doesn't help how everyone gets along. Or not as the case is some days. I try to encourage them to share and work it out together before I turn it off. Just hate that our lives revolve around that bloody box.

It is really hard, but I think you're right to keep trying sharing and working it out themselves. Hope they get there in the end and that today is a better day.

Can you do it so each of them earns their TV time for the day (however much that is) for good behaviour and then each of them gets to choose one or two programmes that they like (assuming they have done whatever things they need to do). I would ignore the fact that he other one might want to watch the same programme as his brother as it's not HIS choice - but they get the chance to earn the same time each and control of choice of programme?

We don't do exactly this although we have a rough limit on screen time, but my DCs do tend to watch TV via choosing a specific thing on iPlayer rather than just whatever is on. They take turns playing on the tablet.

Thanks. Sounds like you all do roughly the same as me. I do the choosing channel or program thing. They've not got tv today but I've said if they do as their told and have a shower and go to bed nicely they can have time tomorrow

Ours have alternate days to choose. These are written down and posted on the fridge. Fortunately one evening they swim after school so no time for TV, as 7 doesn't divide happily by 2. They can lose their right to choose for bad behaviour.

That's a nice idea Blue

Our two are 4 and 2 (about to turn 5 and 3). The older one loves any screen, the younger not so much but will interrupt it all she can.
Now all screen watching only happens at the weekend, Friday night is film night, a lovely dinner, then a film with popcorn. On Saturday and Sunday they aren't allowed films/cartoons etc, but they can do reading eggs or teach your monster to read, up to an hr each day if they like.
They are SO much better tempered, they don't nag for it as they know it is only fridayevening, and IMHO they do better work at school, are more imaginative etc. and less tired. They also so look forward to Friday. And they are v well behaved in case I remove Friday night treats, so they have a sense of longevity now for earning it through good behaviour