Screen time

[hadagutsful]

How does everyone limit screen time in the holidays? My three DC are active gamers, they have other hobbies and interests as well but it feels like a real chore getting them away from devices and gaming in the hols.

Anyone found anything (other than threatening) that works?

We're not well off so can't afford to take them very far and the local woods/library/museums have lost their appeal.

Make the rule, and keep to it. If need be, then whinging / begging / pleading / shouting / arguing with you means they get even less time.

Now, what rule to make is what you have to decide....
X hours per week / X hours per day / nothing until after X o'clock / nothing before x o'clock / can only 'game' after have done x, y, and z ??

The hardest part is the first week. Once they realise you actually mean it, it gets easier.
If they can't follow the rule, then you either turn off the wifi or you take away the controllers and lock them somewhere they can't get them (maybe dh takes them to work or something ?).

Your problem lies in them going round to friends' who let them play there of course.

I've always found the more you limit things the more you turn it into forbidden fruit. I've never had any rules around screens, it's worked for my eldest and looks like it's working for the youngest too.

I think kids become obsessive over things they're only allowed for one hour a day but I know that goes against the mumsnet mantra. Why not ask them if they want to go to the park and kick a ball around? An offer of finding sticks in the woods always works with my two.