Try It! Stop, Stretch, Switch   

Watch this video with children, then print this page for yourself. Display it somewhere where your family’s media transitions often happen, such as near the television, so you have it handy (or post in on the refrigerator so you see it often and can remember it no matter where you are):   

1. Stop   
Recognize the signs (whether in your body, because a timer has gone off, or simply that it’s time for something else) that it’s time to take a screen break. (hold up a hand)  

2. Stretch   
Stand up and give a whole-body stretch—don’t forget your eyes, face, and neck (scrunch up your face tightly, and then relax it; slowly roll your head around to stretch your neck). (raise your arms high)  

3. Switch   
Get curious about your next activity. Ask, “What comes next?” (do a little jump)  

And consider this… 

In addition to the above “transitioning away” strategy, it can also help to start explaining the concept of needs and wants as they relate to our digital world, and help children begin to understand the difference:   

• Needs are the things that keep us healthy and safe. Media is a need when it helps us complete tasks, like ordering groceries or getting directions.  

• Wants are things we can wait for or things we can choose not to have at all. Media is a want when we use it for passing time, like playing video games or watching videos.