Following an invented timer
Exact need and aging durations were not available in the reviewed sources.
My Family Life Simulation Guide
Use visible needs, autonomous actions and relationship changes to plan the next household action without assuming hidden timers.
Quick answer
Start here
Pause before taking control: observe what the member chooses, check the needs and relationship feedback visible in your session, fix one problem, then watch again. The official description confirms autonomy, needs, relationships, direct control and aging, but not their exact formulas.
Step by step
A source-bounded play routine
Step 1
Observe autonomous behavior
Let a member act briefly and note where they go or which interaction they choose.
Step 2
Check visible needs
Prioritize the need your current interface shows. This guide does not assign hidden percentages or depletion times.
Step 3
Take direct control when stuck
Use control to complete a clear action, then release the member and see whether normal behavior resumes.
Step 4
Watch relationships over time
Use visible friendship or family feedback. Do not assume a universal number of interactions.
Step 5
Treat aging as session evidence
Record what you observe in game; no life-stage duration or aging timer was verified.
Stuck?
Mistakes to avoid
Controlling every action
Autonomy is part of the official game loop. Observe first so you can understand the household.
Next action