Family routines

Make homework, chores, and reading clear before more screen time

tvusage Team · · 2 min read

Updated

Use a tvusage Remote parent message to explain what needs doing before more screen time. Send it with a device lock or attach it to a declined eligible request. Parents check completion manually and decide when to unlock.

1. Send a message and lock

Open Send message on the linked device, write one concrete instruction, then choose Send and lock. Agree on the routine with your child before using it during a session. For homework:

Finish your maths homework, then come show me before more screen time.

tvusage Remote Send message composer containing a homework message and a Send and lock button.
Parent phone: write your message, then Send and lock. View full-size image

2. Check the child’s screen

Check the child device to confirm the message arrived. The lock screen explains the next step while screen time is paused. For reading, you can write:

Read for 20 minutes, then tell me about your favourite part.

tvusage TV lock screen displaying: Finish your maths homework, then come show me before more screen time.
Child TV: the homework message on the lock screen. View full-size image

3. Explain a declined request

For an eligible pending extra-time or session request, open Request actions, choose Reject with message, write your explanation, then choose Reject and send. The request is declined and the current restriction stays in place. For chores:

Please put your toys away and pack your school bag. Come find me when you’re done.

tvusage Remote Reject with message dialog containing a chore message and a Reject and send button.
Parent phone: Request actions → Reject with message → write your explanation → Reject and send. View full-size image

4. Check completion together

Talk with your child, check the homework, chores, or reading yourself, and decide when to unlock. tvusage does not verify tasks or give automatic rewards. Your existing limits and schedules still matter when deciding whether to allow more time.

tvusage mobile lock screen displaying: Please put your toys away and pack your school bag. Come find me when you’re done.
Child phone: the chore message after the request is rejected. View full-size image

Use a short dinner message

Dinner is ready.

Send it to each chosen device, one at a time, using Send and lock. Repeat Send message for every device you want to pause. Each locks and shows the message when received.