Handling tantrums & transitions
Why screens are so hard to turn off
It’s the end of the show… and your child explodes. You’re not alone. The post-screen meltdown is one of the most common parenting challenges.
Why it happens?
- Screens are highly stimulating and reward-driven
- Stopping feels like loss-and loss triggers big emotions
- Transitions are hard for young children even without screens
Tools that help
- Countdowns: Give consistent warnings – “5 minutes,” “2 minutes,” “1 more minute”
- Timers: Use sand timers, color timers, or visual countdowns on-screen
- Screen-off Rituals: Always follow screen time with the same calming action (e.g., a stretch, a snack, or a song)
- Prep the Next Activity: “After your show, we’re doing the bubble bin!”
Make the transition appealing-not abrupt.
Sample scripts to handle kids' emotions
Calm & confident closure
“Okay, your episode is done. Now we’re going to turn it off and go build with blocks. Want to pick the first piece?”
“The timer rang, so it’s time to turn off the tablet. I know it’s hard. Let’s take a deep breath together.”
“That was a fun show! Now let’s find your puzzle. Do you want the animal one or the car one?”
Empathy + boundary
“I hear that you really wanted to watch more. It’s okay to feel sad. But screen time is over now.”
“You’re disappointed because it ended. That makes sense. I feel that way when a story ends too.”
“You’re mad it’s over - I understand. We can be mad and still turn it off.”
Redirection to next activity
“Let’s go check if your cars are still lined up the way you left them!”
“Time to turn it off. Do you want to play with playdough or help me stir the pancake mix?”
“Screen time is done for today. You can help me pick what veggies we use for lunch!”
Emotional coaching + regulation
“Looks like your body’s having big feelings. Let’s do 5 jumping jacks to shake them out.”
“When we feel angry, we can stomp our feet, not throw things. Want to stomp with me?”
“Let’s blow out some pretend candles to help calm down. Ready? Blow!”
Your tone matters more than your words. Stay warm and firm.
Browse this guide
- Introduction
- The basics of screen time
- Forming screen time habits
- Managing kid’s screen time emotions
- Using screen time tantrums as an opportunity
- The whole family approach
- Setting examples as the parent
- Screen-free alternatives
- Developing family rituals
- Handling real-world screen time scenarios
- Recommended screen content for 2-6 year olds
- Conclusion
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