How can I get them off the computer?

[Cloudminnow]

Now the summer hols are about to begin and without spare cash for trips out I'm starting to wonder what to do with my two DSs (11 and 13). Left to their own devices they will happily stay on the computer/x box for hours on end. Does anyone have any suggestions for holiday 'routines'(?) for boys of this age when cash is rather scarce?

Remove the power cables and hide them, except for certain "allowed" times.

Have a look here. It's an American site so not everything may be suitable.

www.digitalreflections.typepad.com/digital_reflections/2009/06/100-free-things-to-do-with-your-kids-this-summer.html/

Mine aren't that old yet but I regularly remove the games controllers when their time is up. We agree a time limit each day, so they know how much time they can have.

Time limit each day for each thing. Set a timer, and if they don't come off when it rings (I would give them a 5 min warning before end of time to start with to get them used to it) they only get half time the next day. If there is moaning and trouble and still resistance, none the next day. This probably sounds like hard work for you, but I find that if I enforce this regularly, then I have my dd at the end of the day, as opposed to a bad tempered uncooperative zombie. If I ever do have to take it all away for a day (which I try to avoid!) I try to soften the blow (without telling her) by doing something diverting that day, like swimming or friends etc.

I feel your pain

My DS 13, is hooked too. Going to the park or to the beach is no treat for him. i do insist on him having breaks, but I know it's not enough. I'm ashamed of my parenting skills to be honest.

Mine respond best when I'm involved. If I get out into the garden they'll follow if I start bouncing on the tramping or hacking at bushes with power tools.., :)