Snag these free printable Technology Tickets and take control of screen time! With helpful tips and kid-friendly strategies, you’ll reduce screen time battles and bring more balance to your days.

This fall, I started enforcing the rule that the kids couldn’t use technology (t.v., computers, iPad, etc) until after dinner. While the benefits were awesome (more time outdoors, creative projects everywhere) there were limitations, too. Namely, my sanity. Especially during rainy days and that pre-dinner witching hour that makes me break out in hives just thinking of it. Plus, they’d get cranky when I said no or when it was time to turn it off.

Tech Ticket Inspiration

While reading the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown (a must-read book for anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed), there was a nugget of wisdom that rocked my world. The author suggested handing out a limited number of ‘Technology Tickets’ at the beginning of the week and letting the kids turn one in when they wanted screen time. They could also earn additional tickets by reading for 30 minutes. At the end of the week, they could turn in unused tickets for cash. We gave it a shot, and just like the author promised, IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM.

The Magical Results

How well did it work? We reduced screen time significantly, there were no more tantrums or whining, and by week two they earned $2.50 each in unused tickets! It’s a funny thing– by giving kids the structure to make good choices, they felt in control and made better decisions. Imagine that!

Listen, do I wish my kids never felt the need to use screens and instead worked on creating world peace? Of course. But as I recently heard quoted on NPR, technology is the air they breathe and the water they drink. It’s infused in their lives more than we could ever have anticipated. I can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. But as a parent, I can help them navigate this brave new world that I didn’t have myself; you know, having been born in the Jurassic period and all.

But I digress. These tickets are so easy to use. I printed out one color for each child. They quickly figured out they could each contribute two 15 minute tickets so they could play 30 minutes of video games together. I’m telling you, these tickets have been such a blessing and restored peace again!

The Tech Ticket Rules We Use

Every family is different, and you can absolutely tailor these tech tickets to fit your own household. But here’s how we’ve made it work for our family during the summer:

At the start of each week, each child receives 3 hours and 30 minutes worth of technology tickets—enough for 30 minutes per day. To use a ticket, they must first complete their daily tasks. I created a simple checklist to help them stay on track with what’s expected.

In our home, that means:

• Completing their daily chores
• Reading for 30 minutes
• Doing a page in their summer workbook (usually logic puzzles) or practicing math facts for 10 minutes (they love using math fidget spinners for this!)
• And waiting until after lunch—because mornings are when my kids are most imaginative and play best.

Their daily chores are pretty basic: tidying up their bedroom and the playroom. They also have a few once-a-week responsibilities, like cleaning their bathroom and doing their laundry.

As an added incentive, they can earn bonus tech time—an extra 15-minute ticket for every additional 30 minutes of reading they do.

At the end of the week, any unused tickets can be “cashed in” for money. I pay 50 cents for every 15 minutes of unused screen time. It’s a win-win: they’re learning to manage time and earn a little extra cash along the way.

This system has worked really well for us, but feel free to tweak it however it best suits your family’s needs!

So what do they do instead of using technology? They spend lots of time outside, get creative with hands-on projects, and play games together. Don’t be fooled by the photos—yes, they argue too (often!). But working through those conflicts is a vital life skill—and one they wouldn’t have the chance to practice if they were glued to screens all day.

How to Get Your Free Tech Tickets

I originally made these for my own kids (we tested them out—and wow, they work so well!), and now I’m excited to share them with you too! Just enter your name and email below, and I’ll send the printable straight to your inbox.

Each download includes four different colors of technology tickets, with one page of 15-minute tickets and one page of 30-minute tickets per color. That way, you can easily customize your family’s screen time system to fit your needs. Print them on regular paper, cardstock, or even laminate them if you’re feeling fancy!

Honestly, these tickets have been a total game-changer in our home. Give them a try and let me know how they work for your family. Just be prepared—for fewer screen-time battles and a much more peaceful summer ahead!

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