Here’s a story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely kids (along with her husband).
Except here’s the problem: the Internet came along, and those kids grew into little monsters when it was time to get off the internet.
So we yell, they yell, and “It’s not fair!” is shouted at a deafening volume.
The end.
Except that’s not the end, it’s really the beginning of how many families deal with kids and the internet. Does it sound familiar to you?
So …
We’ve decided to lay down the hammer with kids and internet.
For the last 5 or so years, we have a “10 and 3” rule. On weekends and anytime school is out, the kids can have some play time on their electronic devices (iPad, phone, XBox etc.) before 10am, then everyone must be off.
Then they’re expected to read, play outside, play with friends, build with LEGOs, clean their room (hahahahahaha) or whatever they choose. Then starting at 3:00pm, they may get back on electronics until around dinnertime.
For some parents reading this, that’s still too much time – and I get that. But for us, we are setting limits and the kids are respecting those limits.
And when they don’t respect those limits …
Shutting Off WiFi
There is a nifty app for XFINITY subscribers called XFINITY xFi. It allows you to control when your kids can be on – and most importantly, off – your home WiFi.
XFINITY xFi allows you to manage your in-home WiFi experience, set rules for connected devices and even get a real-time view of the devices connected to your home network.
Check it out:
- If you struggle with getting your family to unplug at dinnertime … you’ve got the power to pause.
- Keep your kids safe when online with safe browsing modes allowing only kid-appropriate content through parental controls.
- Say goodnight to the Internet with Bedtime Mode by creating time restrictions for your kids. (Really, I could use this myself).
How to access XFINITY xFi for XFINITY customers
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- Download the XFINITY xFi app
- Snap a pic of your xFi-capable XFINITY Wireless Gateway’s QR code (find it on the bottom)
- Personalize your WiFi name and password – this is where you can have some fun and get creative in naming your WiFi: “Drop it like it’s HotSpot”, “Keep it on the Download”, “Look Ma, No Wires!”.
From the app, you’ll be able to see all your devices on your home network, assign profiles to better manage devices, and even get alerts if new devices access your network.
You can also get the speeds, coverage, and control you need to enjoy the ultimate home WiFi experience when you rent an xFi Wireless Gateway router/modem all-in-one for an additional $10/month (plus taxes and fees; restrictions apply).
I’m still astounded by all the features our XFINITY service includes. I’ve also written about how I can take Jimmy Fallon with me anywhere with the XFINITY X1 Stream app, and having the vast internet mobility to be able to connect ANYWHERE is one of the perks of working from home:
Learn more about how XFINITY xFi can help you manage the growing concern of kids and internet usage … or anyone in the house!
This post was sponsored by XFINITY, but all words and opinions are 100% my own. See my disclosure policy for more info.
I love sharing ways to spend less, so families can do more! My passions are cooking, late night TV and being amused by my witty husband and three kids.
I am a stepparent, so I feel VERY fortunate that my youngest stepdaughter is really good at following the rules. My husband and I say it one time and that’s that. There’s no arguing. Now I get that we’re the exception to the rule, and that she’s almost 12 so that may change – good to know the XFINITY xFi app is there if we do need it!
I can’t even imagine what it must be like to have to monitor the amount of time your kids spend on the internet. But as you say, it must be done. I think it’s a great idea that you can control the wifi and really be sure they don’t get on.
I was just talking about this topic with my daughter yesterday. She has two boys. I asked her what role was she offering technology in the rhythms of her home? I have to wonder if it’s not about how much time we’re spending on technology; it’s about how we might have spent that time elsewhere. Might we have done something productive? Inspiring? A spontaneous walk in the neighborhood woods to fend off boredom and restlessness? Reading BFG on the sofa while the dogs snore? The chance to serve someone else? A craft, a snack? A rousing round of Uno?
Your story sounds much like my story. We have not found many ways to justify getting off of the internet that actually make sense though. We do not allow my daughter to go anywhere without us so it is kind of hard to tell her to go outside instead of going online unless we all go as a family so that leaves a little more downtime to fill. She does enjoy making things though so she spends a lot of time doing that. I like your time rule, we may need to implement something like that.
This is a great idea. We have so many kids in our home (7) and find we really need to set rules where the internet is concerned. It’s harder with my older two but its something that I feel strongly about and am really going to start changing some things and laying down some harder rules here!