Technology time limits for teens

Anon Imperfect Mum

Technology time limits for teens

I'm at my wits end and I'm not sure if I'm just making it worse for myself.

The husband and I have a 14yo and a 10yo. I have to admit our kids are pretty well behaved, we've of course had issues like everyone along the way but thankfully nothing too extreme.

One reoccurring issue is my husbands and my expectation that when we say you have until X time to get off technology (usually 6pm Sunday through Friday) our 14yo constantly pushes for more time, if it was the occasional "can I please have 10 more minutes to finish xyz" I wouldn't have an issue but it's every single day "I need more time" "I just need to finish" etc etc. It doesn't matter if we give him 10 mins warning or an hours warning he never seems to be able to finish up on time.

We've tried grounding him, taking his phone off him to the other extreme and just letting him do it and trying not to let it worry us.

I guess in a way I'm trying to set the standard that if you're told off at X time it's the same as a curfew, that he's expected to be home by the time we've set. So far he's behaviour with getting off technology has meant we've said no to him going to the shops with his friends.

Other than this he really is a good kid, he's otherwise very respectful, kind, caring, goes to school, does his homework, does his chores, so on the other hand I'm worried I'm really just making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Do I keep pushing or just give in and go with the flow?

Posted in:  Kids, Teenagers, Tips and Advice

3 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

You are the parents - stick to your guns. I think your expectations are reasonable.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Why isnt he finished? What does he need to do? Does he genuinely need more time to finish? Nothing on the internet is ever really finished thats the nature of it, but i would check what he is trying to complete and give him another hour after dinner.

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