Video narration
After school, you put the device away, and your child asks for it back before starting anything else. You feel stuck, wondering if they can manage without a screen. But this hard transition isn't proof they can't. The switch-off doesn't have to be a sudden test. Screen-free time is a skill you can practice in small, predictable steps. At the after-school switch-off, say what comes next: "Screen away, then we'll do something together." Offer one simple choice, like drawing or building, and begin alongside your child for a short stretch. Keep the plan familiar, so they know what to expect. They may still protest; children need time and support to adjust. Repeat that familiar start. As your child gets comfortable, give them more space to continue on their own. The pace varies by child and family. After school, begin together, then add independence as comfort grows.