How to Set Up a Token System to Limit Kids TV Time

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By Veritas
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Would you like to control your kids' TV, video game, and computer time? This method will teach children about making good media choices, helping with housework, and earning money.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Paper and pencil or computer with printer

Step 1

Make a list of about ten household chores appropriate for the age(s) of your child or children. Each chore should be fairly simple and take no longer than five to fifteen minutes to complete.
Step 2

Each chore will have a token value of 1-4 points. Assign values to each of the chores you have selected. Keep in mind, each token is worth 30 minutes of "screen" time, i.e., TV, video game, or computer time.
Step 3

Post your list in a kid-accessible area. Ours is on the side of our refrigerator.
Step 4

Fill a jar with pennies, bottle caps, milk rings, or some object to serve as a token. When the kids complete a chore on the list, they are allowed to collect a token from the jar. They have the option to exchange the token for screen time or $1.00.

Tips & Warnings

Feel free to allow some free screen time without requiring a token on special occasions, during vacation, or when visiting friends or relatives. Just don't overdo it or the token system loses its effectiveness.
If there are chores you really want your kids to do, make it worth more points than other chores. This is how we get our kids to clean the litter box!
Some people don't believe in rewarding kids for chores they should be doing anyway. We have avoided this by using the token system in addition to the child's regular daily chores that they are required to do without getting anything in return.