How to Set a Computer Time Limit for Your Kids

Set a time limit before the video games start. Before your child even picks up the controller, make sure that you tell them in no uncertain terms how long they have to play. If you choose 30 minutes as the limit then go ahead and set your watch or a kitchen timer and when it goes off, make it clear that the video games go off as well. Never let your child negotiate how much time they can play; that decision should solely be up to you.

Set ground rules. When your child gets any kind of video games you should always start by setting ground rules right from the beginning. You can do it by the hour, the day or even the week. For example, if you know your child has a test on a Friday then you can tell him the Sunday before that he cannot play more than an hour per day and then stick to it. You could also make a general rule that 4 hours per week is the maximum that he can play and when he is done with the time the video game goes away till the following week.

Balance video games with other games. Instead of just telling your child that he can't play his video games right now, show him how much fun other games are as well. You could also tell him that he can play his video games for 30 minutes after he plays outside with his friends for 30 minutes.

Use video games as incentives. Many parents don't like children playing video games because it keeps them away from doing chores or other household activities. Make a video game an incentive. For example, tell your child that if he does 1 hour of chores then he can play the video game for 1 hour and then again use the kitchen timer to make sure he sticks to 1 hour only.