# How we use EarnPlay at home [EarnPlay](/projects/earnplay) works best when the household agrees on a simple rhythm: learn a little, then play a little. This note shares one practical pattern — not a rulebook. ## School nights 1. Child opens EarnPlay and finishes the parent-set challenge mix (letters, sounds, or math). 2. Earned minutes unlock gated apps (YouTube, Minecraft, or whatever you picked). 3. When the timer ends, shields return — no parental countdown in the living room. Keep the threshold short enough that a tired kid can finish. Three letters for ten minutes is often enough to start. ## Weekends Stretch play minutes if you want, but keep the same **earn first** order. Consistency beats weekend exceptions that quietly become weeknight battles. ## Positive framing EarnPlay's constitution is intentional: celebrate progress, soft retry on mistakes, no shame copy. At home, match that tone — "earn your Minecraft" beats "you've lost screen time." ## Join other parents Share your routine on the [parents community](/projects/earnplay/community) (Discord + guides). The app itself stays free of social features.