We've tried:
There has to be something better? How are you guys handling this with kids aged 6-10?
Honestly none of this works consistently because you're relying on external enforcement. What actually worked for us was letting our kid hit the time limit, getting mad about it, hitting it like 5 more times over a week, and then HIM deciding it was annoying. Takes longer but sticks better.
We use a combo: app timer for the actual limit BUT also no screens in bedrooms, ever. If he wants to game it's in the living room where we can see it naturally. Kills the sneak gaming and the bedtime fights because there's no temptation.
We have 'screen time Sundays' now - he gets like 4 uninterrupted hours but only one day a week. Sounds worse but honestly it's less fighting throughout the week because the boundary is so clear. Might be worth trying?
The "no screens after 6pm backfires before bed" - what do you mean backfires? Like he's more wired or he's just being a nightmare about not having it?
Real unpopular opinion: what if you just... took the iPad away during those times instead of relying on his cooperation? Like physically remove it. Kids hate it but it works without negotiation.
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The app timers thing is genius AND a loophole at the same time lol. What if you set it so the iPad itself locks, not just the app? Like he can't even swipe to home screen, it's actually locked until the time is up?
The earning through chores thing actually works better if you disconnect it from daily stuff. Like he has regular chores period. Screen time is separate currency earned through... I dunno, getting ready without being asked? Not a great example but you get it.