Thursday, 14 August 2014

Nathan Quote: Screentime Temper Adjustment

I think I've mentioned this before, but Mr. Nathan has been having some challenges with his temper after screentime.  If we have to switch activities or tell him to let his brother have a turn, he gets incredibly angry.  (Which can be a real challenge when we have to get somewhere else to do something.)

I think I've found a partial solution to the problem.

I've started giving him a transition period.  Not only does he get a 5 minute, 2 minute and 1 minute warning but I also make sure there is at least 5 minutes between shutting the iPad or computer down and the next demand on him.

I've also started talking with him before he goes on the computer, warning him if he's only got a short time.  I remind him that he gets angry when he has to turn the screen off.  I tell him that I don't want to have to deal with a tantrum.

Yesterday, we had 10 minutes before leaving for camp and he wanted to go on the computer.

Me: Okay, Nathan.  We only have 5 minutes to play on the computer, is that okay?

Nathan: Yes! (not really listening)

Me: Nathan, listen to me.  Remember yesterday (a big tantrum) when you got upset when I told you to turn the computer off?

Nathan: (suddenly much quieter) Oh, yeah.

Me: I don't want another tantrum today.  Do you think you should still have the computer?

Nathan: Maybe I'll play when I get home.

It's not particularly funny.  But I'm really proud of him.

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