Free Screen-Time Ending Card

When a video or game is ending, it can be hard to find a useful sentence quickly. This free, no-signup card gives you a short plan and words for four common moments. Print it, keep it near the device, and change the examples to fit your child.

Created by Parent Reset Co.

Who it is for: adults helping school-age children, roughly ages 6–12, move away from entertainment screens. It is a conversation aid, not a prescribed screen-time limit or a promise of an easy ending. Use the communication style, adult support, and supervision your child needs.

To print: use your browser’s Print command. The card is laid out for one US Letter page; A4 users can choose “Fit to page.” The words on this page can also be selected and copied. No email address is required.

Caregiver and child under a roof

The screen-time ending card

Choose the stopping point, then have the next activity ready. These are example words; adapt them to your child.

We will stop when…(e.g., after this episode)

We will save or close by…(e.g., at the credits)

The device will go…(e.g., kitchen shelf)

Next activity + adult help available…(e.g., read together)

1 · Before it starts

“When this episode ends, we’ll turn off the TV. Then we can read on the sofa.”

For a game, check the save step together first. Pick a stopping point that fits the time you have.

2 · Near the stopping point

“The credits are coming. Our plan is to turn off the TV, then read. The book is ready.”

Remind your child of the cue you agreed on. Offer the help you can actually give.

3 · At the ending

“The episode is over. I’ll turn off the TV now. Would you like the blue book or the animal book?”

Offer a choice only if both options are available. Use fewer words if that helps.

4 · If you forgot to set a plan

“I didn’t explain the ending before you started. We need to stop for dinner. I’ll help you save and close.”

Acknowledge the missed plan. Next time, agree on the cue before the game begins.

If your child is upset: “You wanted more time. I’m here. We can talk when you’re ready.” Keep words brief and respond to the support or space your child needs. Later, ask whether the cue, saving step, or next activity needs to change.

For recreational screens. Keep schoolwork, essential communication, medical and disability-support device uses available according to your child’s needs and care guidance. A clear plan cannot guarantee a calm response. Created by Parent Reset Co. · parentresetco.com

Make this card work for your family

Write your own stop cue, save step, device place, and next activity on the card. If your child communicates differently, replace these sample sentences with shorter words, a visual reminder, or another approach that fits. When the next activity needs an adult, make sure that adult can help at that time.

For the reasons behind each line and more situations, read what to say when your child’s screen time is over. To plan the whole after-school period, see the after-school screen-time routine. To agree on a broader family routine, use the free Family Media Agreement template.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making a family media plan and using brief words during screen-time upsets. These example sentences and this card are Parent Reset Co.’s original resource, not AAP scripts or an endorsed program. Read the AAP’s screen-time ending guidance. If difficult endings happen nearly every time, or you are concerned about changes in sleep, eating, or social activities, discuss the pattern with your child’s pediatrician.