O/T: How to limit MOM'S time on the computer...ideas?

[lovetobehome]

I would like to spend less time online, but I don't have the willpower to do it myself (yes, I know this is pitiful, but at least I admit the problem!). I have given up the computer entirely before, and it was fabulous! But realistically, we do benefit from having some use of it. Has anyone used any software that would limit the amount of time I am allowed on? I would prefer free, but would pay for it if it was excellent. I would like to be able to set it up so that I have maybe 40 minutes a day online and after that it cuts me off completely. Ideas? I can see how this would be good for our entire family...as it stands now, the kids listen to me and obey the 15 minute allowance I give to them, but I can see this becoming an issue for anyone. I would like to be able to use the computer (because my son does math and typing and spanish on the computer...but not online), but I just want to limit our time on the internet.

[holyhart]

What about if you just set a timer for yourself? Say 20 minutes? Then when the timer beeps, you shut the computer off and go on to the next thing that needs to be done for the day.

[Daisy]

The absolute best "timer" for me is to have my husband put a password on the computer. Keeps me totally off during the day. If I'm just trying to stay off a particular forum, I have him change my password to THAT forum. It really helps me "detox" from technology. We don't have to do that all the time but some times I let it get away from me.

[lovetobehome]

TImers won't work with me....I am worse off than that!
I love the idea of having hubby change the passwords, but I need the kids to be able to do their math and spanish and typing on the computer...but these are software on the computer and don't require internet. So I need to block INTERNET only for much of the day...but still have access to the computer.

[Daisy]

Well, I've had my hubby take the external modem to work with him. LOL. That's pretty desperate though.

[lmercon]

In the morning, check your email and a favorite board, HOD, I'm sure! Then shut your computer down. You'll be a lot less tempted to hop on for "just 5 minutes" if you have to wait for it to boot up and get to the start position.
Just a thought,
Laura

[lovetobehome]

Thanks, Laura...I have this new nifty computer that boots up really fast. Problem is, I will come up with some lame reason that I need to get back on, and then I waste time...
I found this...it is free. http://www1.k9webprotection.com/getk9/index.php
I might try it, and get my hubby to set a password. I think I can set times to allow access and times to deny....
Sad that I am to this point. I have tried for the last couple of years to 'be good'. Sometimes I manage it just fine, but sometimes I slip back in to spending too much time, and I just want to be done with that.

[Tree House Academy]

Unfortunately...I feel ya. No advice, but I do hope you find something that works for you. The days I spend without "checking the boards" are totally awesome. It is like an addiction though - and really, that makes me want to head to my Bible and to God for help. He wants us to fellowship, to pray for one another, but he doesn't want us to do this to the point where we neglect our other callings. It takes some real soul searching and right now, it is one of my many struggles and one of the many places where I fall short of the Glory of God.

[lovetobehome]

Yes, I have struggled with this for a couple of years now. I gave up my computer entirely for Lent, 8 weeks, and it was the happiest homeschooling time I can remember. I was content with the curriculum I was using, because I wasn't able to read everyone else's opinions about it, and I wasn;t able to change because I didn't have access to those forums! I just want that peace back. I want to stop reading reviews, opinions, criticisms....and just be secure in what we are doing. Because really, my kids need a TEACHER who is present with them. All the curriculum in the world won't help if I am busy staring at a screen!!! It has really affected my relationship with the Lord as well.
I downloaded K9, and it looks awesome! I set short periods of time in the morning and after the kids go to bed for me to be on. I gave an hour from 2:30-3:30 for us to use the internet for SCHOOL research projects and for my kids to each have 15 minutes of fun online (each is allowed ONE site, webkinz for DD and lego for DS). This should help immensely! I gave the password to my husband and my sister. They can override it if there is an internet emergency, LOL!
I hope someone else might be helped by this, too! The software looks really good...you can set times and also just protect little ones (and ourselves) from stumbling on something icky. HTH others! Bye, I don't have excess time online, LOL!

[Shimmer]

I've been noticing lately that the computer wastes a lot of my time too. I haven't even watched TV at all this week, but I keep being drawn to check something out on the computer all the time. I know the day would be much less rushed if I could keep away from it. We have a tight schedule around the baby's needs. I don't know how Moms with older kids and a full day's teaching survive with juggling a baby's schedule. Mine just turned 1 and it's still a lot to manage.

I think my issue is that I tend to get frustrated easily and changing my focus briefly on the computer is my way to cope. I suppose that strategy wouldn't be a big deal, but I tend to get sucked into reading something that makes 1 minute stretch into too many and then I'm running behind on what needs to be done which will only cause more frustration as the day goes on.

I don't have a solution really, but am willing to admit I also struggle with this. Having the computer off does keep me away from it because ours takes some special inputs to load correctly and I don't like having to wait.

[my3sons]

It helps me to have a certain time of the day I'm on the computer each day, and then I do not allow myself to check it other times. I used to think I'd just quickly check this or that and respond to a thread or an email fast - but that always turned into an hour. So now, I do it for the same amount of time each day and don't check it in between or after. It helps to put my laptop away in the cupboard after I'm done. At night, I try to just recheck my email. If I get on the board, I try to only do it for an hour. I think it is key not to do media things during the teaching part of homeschooling. When I've done that in the past, I was actually angry when the dc interrupted me for help. This year I'm doing a media ban from 8:15 AM to 12:30 PM - no phone, no t.v., no radio, no computer. I think I'll even turn off the ringer on the phone. I've told my dh and family about this, since they are the people who generally call me at that time. They understand the need for me to teach, so them knowing this should help. The portion I did this kind of media ban for last year was the happiest, most stress free time I had all year. I'm starting school on Monday -so if you see me on the board between 8:15 Am and 12:30 PM, tell me to get off!

In Christ,
Julie

[momof2n2]

isn't it nice to know you are not alone??

We started school this past week and I have committed to turning it off by 8AM and not turning it on again until after school is done.

It has made a huge difference.

The other thing I JUST started - so we will see if it works - I have a small notebook that is MOMMY'S ONLY and as I am sitting doing school with the kids, I jot down the things that pop in my head that need to be done. So when I do go to the computer, anything on the list that requires the computer gets done first. Then, with my list of stuff that has to be done right in front of me, I am hoping it will remind me of what needs to be done, as opposed to what I could waste time doing online.

Turning the computer OFF has released me a LOT from what I feel like I need to check.

I will let you know how the list thing works!