Struggling with gaming time limits for kids? The Gaming First System is a printable set of screen time rules, planners and a Gaming Time Bank that makes gaming time clear before it starts.
Calmer gaming routines, without the nightly negotiation.
“Can I play?” “Just five more minutes!” “I haven’t finished yet!” The Gaming First System is a simple visual system that takes the negotiation out of the moment by making expectations clear before gaming starts.
£8.99 · Printable toolkit · A4 and US Letter · Instant download
How it works
- Before gaming: complete the family’s agreed responsibilities.
- Gaming time: use the Gaming Time Bank to make the agreed time visible.
- 5-minute warning: finish what you’re doing and prepare to stop.
- Time’s up: save, exit, put it away.
- Move on: start the next planned activity.
The Gaming Time Bank
The signature feature of the system. Make gaming time visible with a simple Earn → Available → Used → Remaining tracker, so children can see how much time has been agreed and parents don’t have to keep negotiating it.
What’s included
- Before Gaming Checklist
- Gaming Time Bank
- 15, 30 and 60-minute Gaming Time Tokens
- Weekly Gaming Planner
- School Day Routine
- Weekend Gaming Planner
- School Holiday Planner
- 5-Minute Warning Cards
- Gaming Shutdown Routine
- Family Gaming Agreement
- Parent Conversation Prompts
- Weekly Gaming Reset
- Parent Quick Reference
- Customisable blank templates
Designed for families
Created for parents of children and young gamers aged roughly 6–16. Useful for fitting gaming around homework, chores, mealtimes, bedtime, weekends and school holidays.
Gaming isn’t the enemy. The aim is a predictable routine where responsibilities, gaming and the move away from gaming are all clear — something visual to follow instead of repeated reminders.
Questions parents ask
What do I receive?
A4 colour and printer-friendly versions, US Letter colour and printer-friendly versions, and a Quick Start guide. Print at home and start straight away.
Is it a physical product?
No — it’s a digital download. Nothing is posted.
Is this medical or clinical advice?
No. It’s a family organisation and planning tool, and every family can adapt the routine to suit their own circumstances.
How much gaming time should a 10 year old have?
There’s no single number that suits every family. What helps most is agreeing the amount in advance, making it visible, and having a clear routine for stopping — which is exactly what the Gaming Time Bank does.
Is it a printable screen time rules chart?
Yes. It includes printable planners, a Family Gaming Agreement, warning cards and blank templates you can customise.