Get your kids off the computer without nagging
September 18th, 2008 / 14 Comments
We’d set the kitchen timer and give 5-minute warnings, but inevitably we’d have to nag our kids when their time was over. We’d have to deal with repetitive pleas for “just a few more minutes.” Our boys would fight about who got to go first on the computer, or they’d complain if they thought their brother got more time. It wasn’t fun being the time cop. Occasionally I let my kids use the computer for longer than their allotted time so I could have more time to myself – only to feel guilty about it later. Something had to change.
Is that a familiar scenario at your house? I can totally relate to that.
That was the experience of Justin Magaram which prompted him to create TimesUpKidz
As a dad of 2 boys, Justin came up with a way to make sure that his kids do not waste time on the computer. A former designer and manager at Microsoft for 10 years, he came up with a way to limit kids’ computer time that is intuitive and easy to use, even for me!
There are many useful features on TimesUpKidz that I as a parent want:
1. Set appropriate limits for each child.
Give older children more time and let them use the computer later at night. Or you can set the same amount of time for all the kids.
2. Set weekday and weekend limits, or even customize each day.
3. Password protected.
TimesUpKidz Computer Timer uses the security built into Windows so only parents can set or override time limits. It is extremely difficult to defeat, even if your kids are more tech-savvy than you.
4. Override limits on particular days due to circumstances, i.e. vacation, or special homework. Preset times automatically resumes without having to re-set.
5. Audible reminders – “You have five minutes left”
Sometimes kids get immersed in full-screen video games and won’t see the pop-up messages. A warm, friendly voice tells them how much time remains through the computer’s speakers, giving them plenty of time to save their work.
6. Last chance to save their work.
When time is up, the screen goes black except for a button to log off. If your child clicks Log Off they are given one last chance to save their game or work. TimesUpKidz then blocks access to the computer until they have available time again.
While I believe that no tool should replace the supervision of parents, TimesUpKidz Parental Control Software reduces the power struggles and nagging that comes with trying to get our kids off the computer , thus removing unnecessary stress in the home.
Three more great features I like:
1. Justin offers a free 30-day trial, no strings attached, and no hard-sell. I tried it and I think you’ll really find it useful.
2. To purchase it, it’s only a one-time cost of $29.95. There is no monthly fee. What a deal! It’s well-worth the price.
3. This is developed by a dad who is committed to raising his kids right, and I want to support him for that.
Comments
Glad my son isn’t old enough to make use of this but it sounds like a great idea. I like the fact that it would eliminate the competition over time spent on the computer due to the perception that one child got to spend more time than another.
Rick
Thank You Cards
Thank you for this info. I am going to give it a try!
Tanya
Stationary Guy: enjoy your son and keep him off video/computer games as long as you can!
Tanya: Let me know how you like it.
[…] a mature 14-year-old with some great insights on parenting. You can see his comments on my post on “Get your kids off the computer without nagging” and “Video game […]
As Justin, I also use one called Ez Internet Timer. It did the same trick as TimesUpKidz , but Ez Internet Timer has one more good feature. It can block Internet browsers, chat programs, e-mails separately. I often set the program to turn off Skype and ISQ while my kid does his homework. But the most important I think is to prevent addictive Internet use through effective cultivation of sound principles about life.
Gregory: Thanks for sharing that tool. Great idea to block certain programs. I would block YouTube! I waste a lot of time on that.
[…] I also recommend a great tool called TimesUpKidz. It’s developed by a dad with 2 boys, you can read about it on my post “Get Your Kids Off the Computer Without Nagging.” […]
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Does this work in the UK
Nikki, yes, it works anywhere. Give it a try.
I am 9 years old and I think video game are great. I usually Play the Nintendo Wii. It’s cool.
Unfortunately, I think that EVERY MOMENT that a parent raises a kid that like video games, they worry about how much time they play. They never discover the bright side of video games. They usually don’t help them with video games, even if they had the skill. And many don’t buy video games for kids that can’t go to GameStop or some other place alone except on special occasions.
Again, parents really need to discover the bright side of video games. Usually, kids that like video games like computers, and smarter computer users will learn coding and AppleScript, go to collage, and work at Google or Nintendo or something.
I’m not saying to take away time limits. I’m just telling you to make them more reasonable. Reasonable for any kid that worked hard enough to learn C++ or AppleScript or another type of coding in a couple of years if they were smart enough.
Bye-Bye!
Having dial up and a really old, slow computer has made this a nonissue in my house. It’s just not worth the hassle for my children.
My son is on the computer a lot! And yes, it does have several good things, as he can already write programs, and can type faster than I do. He does pretty well in school, all in advanced placement, even taking high school math in 7th grade… But his main love is computers.
He really doesn’t have many friends where we live, and though I can’t blame him for that. Because the kids in his age group, well lets just say, I rather him be home than with them….
My main concern is physical activity, which is also very important. I am constantly trying to invent ways to get him outside. Somedays it is easier than others, but everyday I try to get him outside. It just concerns me how much time he wants to be on the computer. As a parent, I realize this is a different age & time that when I grew up. Where I had so much more freedom than he does, and who knows, if I had the technology that he does today, I would of probably been the same way…
My point is to both parents and kids, moderation is key, and there has to be physical activity. Also as a parent, and being honest, sometimes when are so busy with dinner, work, and home life, we allow them to spend that time. It is just when we were young, our parents could allow us to roam the neighborhood, but pending where you live, those days are they same…
My son is on the computer a lot! And yes, it does have several good things, as he can already write programs, and can type faster than I do. He does pretty well in school, all in advanced placement, even taking high school math in 7th grade… But his main love is computers.
He really doesn’t have many friends where we live, and though I can’t blame him for that. Because the kids in his age group, well lets just say, I rather him be home than with them….
My main concern is physical activity, which is also very important. I am constantly trying to invent ways to get him outside. Somedays it is easier than others, but everyday I try to get him outside. It just concerns me how much time he wants to be on the computer. As a parent, I realize this is a different age & time that when I grew up. Where I had so much more freedom than he does, and who knows, if I had the technology that he does today, I would of probably been the same way…
My point is to both parents and kids, moderation is key, and there has to be physical activity. Also as a parent, and being honest, sometimes when are so busy with dinner, work, and home life, we allow them to spend that time. It is just when we were young, our parents could allow us to roam the neighborhood, but pending where you live, those days are they are not the same…
I am glad for what he has learned with the computer, and I will continue to find ways to peak his interest in other things.. Because being outside can be a wonderful thing too.. Besides, I love the time we get to spend together…
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