Parents find constructive way to limit kids’ time playing videogames

A couple in Canada have found an interesting way of controlling their children’s time playing video games. They use a unique system where when the children do things such as read, practice music, or exercise they are rewarded with time to play video games.

Initially Dave and Lina Caputo of Waterloo decided that they would avoid the issues associated with the potentially detrimental effects of playing video games for long periods of time by restricting gameplay all together. They had resolved to disallow a gaming system in their home.

However, an Uncle who wasn’t aware of the parental restriction bought the two boys an Xbox one year as a gift. The Caputos, not wanting to deny the children a gift from their Uncle, decided to keep the gaming system, but devised an interesting set of rules on the use of the device.

They decided that play time of the Xbox would be treated as a reward for spending time in other activities. For example if the boys spent 30 minutes reading or doing chores they could play video games for the 30 minutes. This one to one ratio reward system also applied to other activities such as playing sports and exercising, and the ratio was doubled for other activities like playing guitar. For every minute of practicing music they children could play video games for two minutes.

Wow, is this a good idea or what? Sometimes the most effective things can be so simple! And the parents have found that this technique has made the boys more well rounded individuals. Not only are they experts at Fusion Frenzy and various sport games, but they are avid readers, good chess players, and excellent athlete.

I wonder when the Caputos will be writing their book. I know a number of parents who would be interested in reading it.

Read [The Record]