Rules About Using Your Electrical Outlets?

[Great Beginnings]

Just curious what your rules are about allowing children to charge things in your home?

On days off I used to allow school agers to use my outlets to charge their games. However, all summer long I had to keep after them to put the outlet protectors back in and they would end up getting lost because they would just leave them. I warned them they would soon not be allowed to use them. So last school break, after needing to buy a new package, I decided children could no longer use the plugs and told them.

Today, a mother was all upset because her kid couldn't charge his game! I explained to her I have a little one year old who likes to play with the outlet and after repeatedly asking them, I just can't keep allowing them to put her at risk. The kids, (who is 10) starts to cry for like ten minutes. The mother asked if I could charge it. I said I would do it this once but I can't make a habbit of it. She didn't see the big deal I was making. One, use your own darn electric to charge your kids game. Two. I don't have enough spare outlets to plug in everyone's games. Three, I don't want to be responsbile to checking to see that no one touches it or takes it off the counter.

I just don't get why instead of getting upset with me for protecting a one year old baby you don't tell your kid he should have been more responsible here and will now need to make sure it's charged at night?? :confused:

[Play Care]

I will not charge devices at my home. I did when I first started but have since changed my policy to say that if they bring devices they much come fully charged and I will not charge them if they "die" from use. I only allow them at quiet time though.

In your case I'd be tempted to say no more devices. A 10 yo crying because he was told no?! Shameful!

[Great Beginnings]

In your case I'd be tempted to say no more devices. A 10 yo crying because he was told no?! Shameful!

Right!!! And then the mom sat there hugging him and rubbing his back saying it's not fair!

What's not fair?? Your child, among others, disregarded not only my rules but the safety of an infant and is now learning consequences!

[Play Care]

Right!!! And then the mom sat there hugging him and rubbing his back saying it's not fair!

What's not fair?? Your child, among others, disregarded not only my rules but the safety of an infant and is now learning consequences!

That is so disrespectful!

[LadyPearl]

Make a policy! I don't have one yet but will create one when necessary. I wouldn't use my electricity. Bills are high enough with the extra people in our homes!

[morgan24]

They have to bring them charged. I only let school age use them and only at nap and a 10 year old crying over something like that wouldn't get to play with it at all today and dcms behave is just as bad!

[BumbleBee]

Both of my school age dck have ipods. They are welcome to use specific outlets to charge their ipods with their own chargers. However, there are some ground rules.

1. Outlet covers go back in immediately. I find one out, no ipod for 5 daycare days.

2. Pick up your stuff (charger & headphones specifically). It gets left out, they earn it back through chores.

3. Don't you dare leave your charger plugged in w/o your ipod on it. I find an empty charger plugged in and no charger for 5 daycare days.

[melonieb]

I don't allow outside game systems. I let me parent know at the interview. I am considered old school and we have tons of books, games, and other activities to keep the kids occupied other than electronics. My own children 8-9 do not have electronic games. So I have no worries about the outlets

[Leigh]

I just ban outside toys and electronics altogether.

[Blackcat31]

I just ban outside toys and electronics altogether.

[llpa]

I agree w banning outside electronics. I try to use that time w SA to encourage face to face interaction and actual old school brainpower :: I provide some brainteasers , 3D puzzles and they play preschool level games w the little ones. Don't get me wrong, I love devices and I know they are used in school. But in their short time w me, I expect actual interaction from them

[dalman]

I don't allow outside electronic devices for several reasons. 1. The charging cords are a strangulation hazard to the littles. 2. I am not babysitting these electronic devices to insure they do not get broken. 3. I am tired of trying to find the game cartridges that are the size of a quarter, and cost $50. 4. Some of the boys get extremely aggressive while playing them and even for a time afterward. 5. The ones playing them want to control who can watch and who can not.

I have leapsters, leap pads, leap books, and the iReader. I control when they come out, who plays and where they sit. They are educational, yet fun, but not aggressive. I limit their screen time due to studies that show screen time increases brain growth in the portion of the brain responsible for aggression.

[Great Beginnings]

Today is a day off btw. They don't bring electronics or items from home on school days because I will Not be responsible for the items while they are gone at school. I only allow them to bring the electronics because it makes nap time go much more smoothly once they get bored of games and coloring. I get VERY annoyed when they wake up the little ones!

I let the boy know this morning if he was going to cry and cause a sceen or have his mother talk to me about MY house rules again I would not allow the use of electronics at all in the future. He spent a good half hour in the corner crying and then finally decided to join the other kids and play.

[Josiegirl]

Oh good grief, that mom is creating yet another entitled future adult. Ugh, like we need more of them.
To answer your question I let them charge their electronics but seeing so many set firm rules about it, I'm going to start that this summer when all the older kids return. I'm always harping on them about covering the outlets when they're done, or unplugging their cords after charging. I think I'll do the 'no ipod for 5 days' too. Not a bad idea. It's pathetic really. Some of the kids cannot turn around without checking their phone or whatever. Seriously? At age 8 or 9?

[daycarediva]

I have ONE outlet in the daycare space that is the safety protected outlet (have to turn it to put the plug in). Dck's (and my own kids) are allowed to use THAT OUTLET ONLY and ONLY at nap (no cords hanging or lost devices). Dcb brings his ipad, takes good care of it, follows rules and goes back in his cubby after nap. No issues.