Finally got my 8yo to put the iPad down without a meltdown

Jul 29·1 min read

Been struggling with this for months. Started using Apple Screen Time to set limits but he'd just cry when it locked him out. Then I tried something different - gave him a 30 min warning before cutoff time and let HIM set a timer on my phone. Something about him controlling when it ended made all the difference. Now he actually puts it away without the drama. Not sure why that worked but figured I'd share in case anyone else is dealing with this nightmare.

6 comments163 views

Comments(6)

TToddRegularJul 30

What kind of activities did you replace the iPad time with? That's the real question. If he's just bored after it goes away the battle never really ends.

LLucas M.RegularJul 30

Getting him to put it down without the meltdown is the win right there. I'd take that trade any day. How long did it take to get to this point?

BBrandonRegularJul 29

Screen Time limits are step one but the meltdowns are real. We had the same issue until we started having him earn screen time by doing other activities. Sounds silly but it worked for us.

DDavid M.RegularJul 30

The iPad struggle is real. Glad you found something that works. How long did it take before he stopped fighting it every day?

JJoeRegularJul 30

Months of that sounds brutal. What finally worked? I'm guessing you had to be pretty firm about the limits and not give in when the meltdown happened.

JJake M.RegularJul 31

Screen Time is a lifesaver once you figure it out. The key is not letting them know they can negotiate around it. Sounds like you finally cracked the code though, nice work.