We're trying the one hour after homework thing but my 10yo is constantly asking for more. My wife works late so sometimes I'm solo and it's tough to say no when I'm trying to get dinner done. Anyone else struggling with this? What actually works for you guys?
The one hour rule is good, but solo parenting at night definitely makes it harder to stick to. Have you tried having something else ready to go when the time's up, like a board game or something?
One hour is solid but yeah, the after homework push is real. When you're flying solo it's tough because they've got nothing but time and energy. You're doing better than you think.
Have you tried setting it up where he knows the boundary ahead of time? Like a visual timer he can see counting down? My daughter's still young but I've heard from other parents that the surprise ending is what causes the most grief.
One hour after homework sounds reasonable. My kids push back too but I found that having them help plan what they'll do during that hour actually makes them more satisfied with less time.
We're dealing with the same thing right now. My 10yo treats that one hour like it's the most precious resource on earth. What we started doing is letting her 'earn' extra time by reading for 30 minutes. Doesn't eliminate the pushback but at least it feels fair to her.
The one hour rule is solid but you gotta enforce it consistently or it falls apart. My 10 year old does the same thing. What we started doing is having the last 30 minutes be something we do together so it doesn't feel like punishment.
This is exactly what I'm dealing with right now. The constant asking is worse than the actual screen time sometimes. You and your wife need to get on the same page though or he'll play you off each other.
We tried that exact approach and it worked better once we made the rule non-negotiable. Like zero flexibility. Kids test boundaries but once they know it's firm they stop asking as much.
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The constant asking is the worst part honestly. My wife and I had to get on the same page about not negotiating once the rule is set. Every time we bend it, he thinks there's wiggle room. Consistency has been key for us.