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Homework first

Homework before video games: a routine that doesn't need you to police it

Updated · For parents

The short answer

A homework-before-games rule works best as a fixed routine — snack, homework block, then play — where 'done' is defined in advance and game time is unlocked by the finished work rather than by a parent's say-so. Keep screen-free the hour before bed so late homework doesn't push gaming into sleep time.

Why "homework first" turns into a fight

The rule is simple; the problem is the gray areas. Is homework "done" when the worksheet is filled in, or when it's checked? Does reading count? What about the project that's due Friday? Each gray area is a new negotiation, and a child who wants to play has endless energy for negotiation.

The fix is to decide the gray areas once, in advance, and write them down.

A sample after-school routine

  1. Arrive, snack, short break (15–20 minutes, screen-free).
  2. Homework block. A set time and place — the kitchen table works for many families. The AAP lists homework time as a good screen-free zone (HealthyChildren.org).
  3. Quick check. A parent glances at it, or your child ticks it off if they've earned that trust.
  4. Game time unlocks. The recreational balance is available.
  5. Screens off before bed. Aim for the last hour before bed to be screen-free (AAP).

Define "done"

Agree on a definition you can both check:

  • Daily homework: all assigned work completed and put in the backpack.
  • No homework tonight: 20 minutes of reading or practice counts as the homework block.
  • Long-term projects: a set chunk (for example, 20 minutes) counts as tonight's work.

Having a "no homework tonight" default matters. Otherwise, children quickly learn that the fastest path to games is reporting that there's no homework.

Pay for effort, not for grades

It's tempting to attach screen time to test scores. But grades depend on things your child can't fully control, and rewards tied to outcomes can feel arbitrary. Linking minutes to the homework session — showing up and doing focused work — is easier to verify and fairer. (Rewards research is nuanced; our guide on rewards vs. consequences summarizes it.)

Protect sleep

Late homework can push gaming into bedtime. The CDC recommends 9–12 hours of sleep a night for children aged 6–12 and 8–10 hours for teens (CDC). If homework runs late, the rule should be that games wait until tomorrow — not that bedtime moves.

Weekends and holidays

Many families relax the routine on weekends but keep the structure: a responsibility block first, then screen time. Consistency across the week is what makes the rule feel like a routine rather than a punishment.

How Sprigtime helps

Sprigtime lets you make homework the key that unlocks game time:

  • Add a "Homework" task worth a set number of minutes, and require your approval if you want to check it first.
  • Games stay paused until there's a balance. You pick which apps and games count; school apps can stay available.
  • Kids see what unlocks play, so the question changes from "Can I play?" to "What do I need to finish?"
  • Schedules and a daily max keep late-night gaming off the table.
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Frequently asked questions

Should kids do homework before video games?

For most families, yes: a consistent homework-first routine removes the daily negotiation and makes sure the harder task happens while your child still has energy. The key is defining 'done' in advance.

What if my child says they have no homework?

Set a default: on no-homework nights, 20 minutes of reading or practice counts as the homework block. That removes the incentive to under-report homework.

Can I block games but still allow school apps?

Yes. Apple's Screen Time and apps built on it, like Sprigtime, let parents choose exactly which apps are limited. School, messaging with family and maps can stay available.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org — “How to Make a Family Media Use Plan.”
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org — “Helping Kids Thrive in a Digital World: AAP Policy Explained” (2026).
  3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — “About Sleep” (recommended hours by age).

This page is general information for parents, not medical advice. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about your family’s situation.