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Success story: outdoor time actually went UP

Dec 41 min read

So about 3 months ago I made a rule that gaming/devices weren't allowed until after 4pm on weekends. My 12yo complained for like 2 weeks straight, but then something clicked. He started skateboarding again, built a little ramp in the driveway with me, even dragged his friends outside. Now he WANTS to be outside in the morning and afternoon, and honestly? The evening screen time doesn't bother me as much because he got his outdoor play in. This might be obvious to everyone else but it was a game-changer for us. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is struggling with the outdoor/indoor balance.

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11 comments337 views

Comments(11)

WWes B.RegularDec 5

ok so I'm gonna try this with my 13yo. He's basically a zombie on weekends from gaming. The 4pm cutoff is smart because it's late enough that he won't feel like it's totally unfair. Thanks for sharing this

TTerrence J.RegularDec 6

so real question - did his grades or sleep improve too or just the outdoor time? I'm wondering if there's other benefits beyond just seeing him outside more

MMarcus L.RegularDec 6

This actually makes me think the rule isn't about gaming being bad, it's about replacing it with something. He didn't quit gaming he just found something better first. That's the key insight here

MMax R.RegularDec 6

what kind of skateboarding? like street skating or just cruising? Trying to figure out if I should push this rule with my 11yo too

FFred V.RegularDec 6

We tried something similar but made the mistake of being inconsistent on weekends. Did you stick to it pretty rigidly or did you have to make exceptions? Asking because my 11yo is probably going to do the whole 'but it's Friday' negotiation thing.

PPaul M.RegularDec 7

Three months in you're past the hump though, that's when it actually sticks. How's his mood in general? I'm curious if less screen time affected his sleep or attitude beyond just being more active.

JJoel F.RegularDec 6

This is huge. The 4pm rule is genius because it's not a blanket ban, just a structure. What kinds of stuff is he doing now? Skateboarding is solid but curious if he picked up other stuff too.

WWill S.RegularDec 6

This is encouraging because everyone says outdoor time = more difficult but you're saying the opposite happened. Did he naturally spend less time gaming on weekdays too or is the 4pm rule only weekends?

DDave K.RegularDec 7

The skateboarding thing actually makes sense - he finally had time to get bored enough to find something. Kids will naturally move toward interesting stuff if you remove the easy dopamine. Two weeks of complaining is nothing compared to what you're describing.

VVic G.RegularDec 7

This is actually huge. Moving screen time to after 4pm is genius because it doesn't feel like a total ban, but also it forces them outside when it actually matters. 4pm is when other kids are out too so there's social pressure to join them

JJames H.RegularDec 5

How did you handle the 2 week complaint period? Like did you waver at all or did you just stay firm? I feel like I cave too easy when mine gets upset