Controlling computer time. Does anyone use TimesUpKidz? Is it good ?

[Clumsymum]

Hi all,

Well after months of struggling with DS over his excessive computer use, refusal to come off the PC when told, and general grumpyness after overlong minecraft sessions, I have decided we have to bite the bullet, and impose some technical limiters, simply so I don't spend half my life saying "will you log off that computer NOW", and arguing about whether he went on to the computer at 10 past or 20 past the hour

He has a PC running Windows 7 Ultimate, which is connected to our domain (so Windows Parental Controls not an option). I have set logon hours restrictions, but I have make those reasonably wide (say between 5 and 8 pm on school days), cos he may go onto the computer at different times each day, I need something that will log him off after an hour. TimesUpKidz claims to do this, and apparently can also set a time limit for when he is allowed to log on again.

So just looking to see if anyone has any comments about it.

Thanks

Watching with interest. Minecraft is the bane of my life. The weather is so nice, and I have been having to boot DS2 outside before he even opens the laptop.

Oh god ds is Pestering me for mine craft was going to subscribe for his birthday but maybe not now! I'm also concerned that ds's only interest at the moment is the pc. It is his birthday on friday and I am yet to think of anything to get him because all he wants is memberships to these sites.

Will watch this with interest

Cats it's very harmless which is a plus point, and in small doses I don't object. But DS gets so involved with it, and he links up to his friends so there is a social aspect.

The graphics look dreadful but DS2 loves it.

It's all the rage in ds's school. Comeback moshi monsters all is forgiven!!!

Take a look here Sparklingbrook www.timesupkidz.com/

I know there is a free trial available, and I'll probably give that a try, but wanted to see if anyone here could report back personal experience.

Last weekend, frankly sick of arguing with him about it, DH and I let him have as much time as he wanted. On Saturday he clocked up over 6 hours, on sunday 5 and 3/4 (only coming off cos we told him his dinner was going to be fed to the dog if he didn't come right away).
I wouldn't mind if he wasn't so ruddy un-cooperative afterwards. It turns him into the worst "Kevin-the-teenager" after a long PC session - and he's only 12.

PC is now banned until end of the week anyway, after last night's argument when he went on the computer instead of doing homework.

That looks great Clumsy, I will have a chat with DH later and see if he wants to sign up for the free trial.

bumping in the hope that an evening netter might see this