Ending screen time with your child: plan the transition

The agreed screen time has ended and your primary-school child wants to continue. This is an example for preparing a transition, not a promise to prevent arguments. Development, tiredness and existing skills make a difference.

Agree the ending before screen time starts: when it finishes, whether a game can be saved and what comes next. Announce the approaching end and help with saving or closing. A limited choice might be whether the child closes it themselves or wants your help.

Acknowledge disappointment while explaining the next action: “You want to continue. I will help you close it; it is time to eat.” Talk about the behaviour rather than labelling the child.

Later, review what was hard. Was the agreement clear? Could the game be saved? Was your child already overwhelmed? Adjust the preparation. If you repeatedly get stuck, ask an appropriate child or family professional for advice. Practise one transition and notice what support was useful, rather than expecting your child never to feel disappointed.