This is kind of a spin off of the Free time thread. A little background: DS is 11.5 and has always had a specified amount of time for video games each day. At this age, he usually plays on the Play Station rather than the Ipad. He is an avid reader and often reads on his Ipad. Except for the summer and some volunteer work, he does not do any structured activities. He is not a "sports guy" and has always needed A LOT of quiet/down time after school. He is an only child...

We have noticed over the past few months that he has spent more and more time on the internet. Sometimes he is reading science or political articles, but he also spends time reading things like "stupid things people do" etc (I kind of made that up, but you get the picture!). Recently he has found a forum of people who really like a certain author.

** PLEASE STAY WITH ME!!**

-My gut feeling is that his internet time is too much, but I struggle with what constitutes "screen time." How do you differentiate between reading books and articles on the Ipad and other surfing? Does this book forum count as screen time, because he is actually discussing books and writing some stories himself? AAAAAH!!

-When he was younger, he used to play with Legos, build things, play in the woods etc.... but it is so hard to find things that grab him now. If it were his choice, he would read, play video games and look at the internet. I have been requiring him to pick some sort of exercise on the weekends- walk the dog, shoot baskets, kick the soccer ball... but sometimes it is a fight and I hate having to constantly push this. FWIW, last year he spent hours outside after dinner.

-To make things worse, he has a very difficult personality. He has some great qualities, but is also very rigid and argumentative.

-I just installed Mobicip as an internet filter and it also keeps track of what sites he is on and for how much time. This is a start, but getting him to do other things is exhausting.

Sorry this is so long- I guess I am looking to know that I am not alone, and maybe for some suggestions of what has worked for your family.