http://disqus.com/people/5936192abf8c9b9581bde663b0b937af/enMon, 29 Sep 2008 11:01:18 -0000http://mummifiedx5.disqus.com/kids_and_computer_time/#comment-2731978It is a huge challenge to enforce computer time limits because we (parents) have a conflict of interest - when kids are on the computer/TV we get quiet uninterrupted time in the house. I feel guilty when I let my kids stay on the computer for hours at a time. I built and now use a simple timer program that lets me set time limits (like 1 hour/weekday and no more than 30 minutes at one sitting). The program gives kids audible reminders like "5 minutes left" and logs them off when their time is up. It has ended all the fighting over computer time in our house. You can try it from <a href="http://www.TimesUpKidz.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.TimesUpKidz.com</a><br><br>I try to steer my kids toward worthwhile computer activities, like browsing Google Earth (free) or drawing 3D buildings with Google Sketchup, also free. My younger son plays Viva Pinata, which is a great game; talk about non-violent - it's all about gardening! In the end, though, they just want to play games, which is fine with me as long as it is in moderation.JustinMon, 29 Sep 2008 11:01:18 -0000http://allthingsd-ptech-dev.disqus.com/you_have_weapons_in_your_computer_to_monitor_your_kids/#comment-15682847Microsoft missed the boat on the Vista time limit feature. It allows parents to choose the times of the day their kids can use the computer but does not allow parents to limit how much total time they use. I'd rather give my kids a total time limit and let the kids have the responsibility/freedom to choose when to use it. Also, as a parent there are times when I want to add/remove time and I can't do that with Vista without remembering to set the limits back to the way they were before. I built and use a simple computer timer called TimesUpKidz. I allows me to set three types of time limits - (a) hours of the day, (b) daily duration, and (c) maximum time at one sitting. The software gives my boys audible reminders like "5 minutes left" and logs them off when their time runs out. It integrates with Windows security; the kids time starts when the log on and stops when they log off. I can easily add/remove time on any particular day with just a couple clicks. I focused on keeping it extremely easy to learn and use, rather than loading it up with features. Give it a try. You can download it from <a href="http://www.TimesUpKidz.com" rel="nofollow">www.TimesUpKidz.com</a>JustinSun, 24 Aug 2008 18:10:44 -0000