Screen‑Time Turn‑Off Tips
Introduction
That moment when screen time ends can feel like a storm rolling in — the whining, the flopping, the tears. It’s not bad behavior; it’s a child's brain struggling to shift gears from high‑speed stimulation to real‑world calm — and that’s a big jump. With a few gentle strategies, we can help kids move out of screen mode without the meltdown. We have a few strategies to help your child’s nervous system slow down before the screen turns off. Think of it as building a little “bridge” between screen time and the next activity. When kids know what to expect and feel involved in the process, the transition becomes smoother for everyone.
Gather Materials
- A small basket or spot for the tablet
- A crunchy snack or cold drink
- Your presence (the most important part)
Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that you feel are safe for your child and that you are comfortable letting your child use.
Activity
- Get Close First Walk over and get near your child before saying anything. A calm, “We’re turning it off soon,” lands better when you’re right beside them. Your presence helps their nervous system start shifting out of screen mode.
- Join Them for 30–60 Seconds Sit next to them and watch for a moment. Ask, “What’s happening here?” or “Who’s that character?” This shared attention gently breaks the screen trance and reconnects them to you.
- Offer a Simple Choice Give them a tiny bit of control: “Do you want to turn it off, or should I?” Small choices reduce power struggles and help the moment feel like teamwork instead of a battle.
- Reset the Body Crunchy snacks like apples, celery, popcorn, or pretzels — along with an ice‑cold drink — give their body the sensory input it needs to settle after screen time. These sensations help calm the nervous system and bring them back into the real world.
- Add a Little Shake Up Movement helps their system shift gears even faster. A big stretch up to the ceiling. Hopping to the next room. Tiptoeing to the kitchen. A quick “shake it out” wiggle
- Now What? “Should we read a book or build with blocks? When we give a child clear next steps, it helps their brain transition smoothly into what’s coming next.