Too Much t.v and Computer?

Set a time limit for TV/computer then stick to it. They can watch/compute/play for 2 hrs (or what ever you set as a limit). Then unplug it. They can kick a ball around, read, garden, do chores, play actual board and card games, ride bikes, jump rope, fly kites, blow bubbles, make paper airplanes, do arts and crafts - they are limited only by their imaginations.

The answer to your question is 'yes', way too much t.v. and computer time. I always tell my kids that if they are bored, I can find them something to do to help me beyond their normal chores.

But with that said, I also make sure that they have alternatives to watching tv and playing on the computer. We go to the library or the bookstore once a week. I make sure that reading is a daily occurance. (I have to admit that this isn't hard; they love to read).

They also love board games and I make sure that they have plenty of choices to choose from. They also have art supplies and other toys to play with.

I would make tv and computer time a reward. Playing and being content by yourself is a skill children need to learn. At eleven, your daughter shouldn't need you or her sister all the time to keep her entertained.

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Hello A., I actually went and asked the family experts on this one( children of all ages), since I wanted to hear what they had to say.
The thing I learned is that when things are not expected of them and they can weasel out of chores, and responsibilities the only thing left is TV and Computer or viedo games. It isn't like when a kid could take of and safely ride a bike -- now there is the ever present danger of harm.
We agreed that if they have something positive to fill the time then they would. Here its not so bad becasue my kids tell me that I limit the use and it only after the list of things that must be done are done. I have one child with a learning disability and he spends alot of time on the computer doing homework, having a book read to him or doing mind games that make him think and problem solve. I have one that can out text anyone on the planet!
Having family members in law enforcement we have learned to be careful with facebook and other sites becasue of some of the things that are going on there. If an Uncle, brother,cousin, or Aunt (that wears the uniform) can't read it then neithr can they is our rule. So just move the computer where you can see it and set limits but replace it with something healthy they can do .
My son is today on it becasue he spent 5 hours doing yard work yesterday-- trade offs. Good Luck

I suggest finding good books for Summer reading or learning to cook, and setting a time of 2 or 3 hours a day to do these activities; when she has fulfilled that, she can do anything she wants. If she has been dancing for 4 days a week, she deserves some down-times; but let her know that staying too long on the computer is not healthy, she should break it up every 1-2 hours, and you could stipulate at most 4 hours.

Your comment that you "don't have enough time to be with her that whole time" caught my eye. What is it that you are doing? Is there something you are doing that you could interest her in helping you with or participating in? Are you cooking meals? This is a great time to involve her and start teaching her skills that will help her throughout her life. Are you doing laundry?... ditto.... another skill to teach her. Cleaning house?... again, a teachable skill.
Set aside some time when you can go out on walks with your girls... go shopping together... find a place of interest and just go have some fun. I'm sure Pleasanton has a movie theater, perhaps some sort of museum, parks.... whatever. Most cities have a parks and recreation program with classes of various types. Look at their brochures and see if there's something of interest offered that you could get your daughters into or go together as a family. Try to schedule your own work and activities so that you are more free on those weekend days to spend the time with your girls. I think you'll find that not only are you solving your problem of the 11 year old's excessive TV and computer time, but you'll be getting more fun out of your own life, and developing a closer relationship with your children.

Well it sounds like they have a lot of access to the computer so they will choose that over going outside to do activities. A part of it is their age, meaning I see my 12 year old stepdaughter having just gone through this stage. She just got a phone from her mom so she wants to text ALL the time, she no longer wants to go on walks or exercise and spend her time play acting, wanting to lounge and watch tv and get on the computer . I think all of that is fine as long as it's limited, supervised and age appropriate. So we try to limit TV/computer time and try engaging her in activies by going on daily walks, playing basket ball with us, riding bikes etc. So maybe you could limit her TV/computer time and access. Take her with you on walks, do stretches and crunches together, have her help you make dinner etc. Things that won't take you away from your activities but engage her in other activities without taking your time away for having to guide her in everything.

There is plenty to do............they can read, they can go out and play, you know get dirty and have fun, they could play games together........do crafts, write a book, I'm kidding on the book........but there is alot to do.............

You could always give them a time limit on the computer and tv.....but you would have to make sure it's enforced for both...........you could set up a webcam and record whose on the computer and for how long.......or a video camera in an area they are to be or not to be without them knowing......

It's tough for parents now a days...........my son makes sure his kids go outside EVERY day......well, except on rainy days, but then they read, play games with each other, and they do play video games.........

Good Luck and you'll figure out something, just listen to them and then set the rules...........you're the adult........hang in there...........

Oh, there is also camps for the summer and such too to keep them busy...

You need to get the kids away from the computer. They need to spend time with family as well as friends. Granted when they get older, they will want to spend less and less time with you because they want to "hang out with friends". I would only allow the both of them to be on the computer 1 hour per night and that's it. Then organize the rest of the week with family. Then on the weekends if they want to go with friends, let them. Sometimes the more your kids spend with you, the more they may make the right decisions! Just don't make the time together boring. Go to a movie, or the mall and then take them out to eat. Make it a girls night out!!!

Good luck.

My 10 year old son is like that too. If he's not on the computer playing games, it's watching tv or playing his nintendo; I have to make him stop. I try to limit it to 1-2 hours a day. I think 11 is an age where kids don't really "play" with toys like they used to and it can be hard for them to find things to do, but still really important to limit their electronics time. It's okay for them to experience being bored...only then will they start using their imagination to find things to do.