Preservation of Society

Recently, we've been trying to figure out an appropriate balance of TV/Computers/iPods/etc. I think this is something every family in our society has to make decisions about, and the answers will be different for each family.

I'm always interested in how others solve this, so I thought I'd post our "rulebook," a work in progress.

The Pavlat Preservation of Society Rulebook:

Flatscreen Use

Overall Rules:

• No flatscreens between 6 PM and 8 AM (Saturdays: 6 AM) without specific permission
• Maximum flatscreen time = 2 hours a day, plus level treats, parent-led educational videos, Saturday pre-breakfast TV, special occasions, sick days, and watching others play games
• No flatscreens with guests without specific permission
• Additional time for Wii, Plug and Play, Didj, iPod, websites, and other computer time may be “bought” with time spent doing approved useful stuff
• iBreviary may always be used and does not count as flatscreen time

TV (videos/movies)

· Educational use with permission

· Saturday mornings (unless specifically prohibited on Friday night)

Wii:

· Sundays (in 30 minute increments; timers must be used)

· Educational games during Fun Blocks or at other times with permission

Plug and Play:

· 30 minutes on Sundays (timers must be used)

· Other times with permission

Didj and iPod:

· Educational games with permission (standing permission for Mind Snacks)

· 30 minute time limit on useful apps or eBooks

· Other games may only be done with “bought” time or with Mind Snacks time

Computers:

• Total computer time may not exceed 60 minutes a day
• Laptops may only be used in the living room, dining room, or library
• Word processing does not count as computer time, but as flatscreen use

• Computer games:

o 30 minutes on Sundays (timers must be used)

o Educational games during Fun Blocks or at other times with permission (standing permission for Rosetta Stone)

· Websites or Robotics Programming:

o Request specific permission to use the Internet or robotics programming

o All requests must include reason for use (i.e., tell what you will do and why)

o Websites from bookmarks list only (websites approved upon request)

o 30 minute time limit (timers must be used)

· Other computer time (including customizing Windows):

o May only be done with “bought” time or with Rosetta Stone time

o 30 minute time limit (timers must be used)