Three Quarters

For some time now (possibly years) we have felt that we need to restrict Andrew's TV watching time. He would like the TV on with his shows at all times, if we would let him. And he doesn't always sit and watch the show, he is often playing or doing other things but likes to have the TV on. Plus it is nice to let him watch a show while I shower or exercise or cook and know what he is up to - nothing, he's watching the show.

A week ago, Chad suggested three quarters. Andrew would be given three quarters each morning. He could watch three half hour shows. If he wanted to watch a movie that would be two quarters. He also has the option of putting one or all of the quarters in his piggy bank and give up watching a show or two.

I liked the idea....I didn't like that I would be the one enforcing this. I thought for sure Andrew would throw a big fit. He has proven me wrong.

I told him about the three quarters a little over a week ago. He seemed really excited about it! I thought, well that excitement will end once we actually put the three quarters in to practice! But no, he has handled it very well. He brings me a quarter or two depending on what he wants to watch. And he knows once his quarters are gone, no more shows for the day. Before when he would ask to watch a show and I felt like he had watched enough for the day, he would get upset. He doesn't now.

He has not chosen to put any of this daily three quarters in his bank yet, perhaps he will someday.