Are you an OT practitioner having trouble limiting screen time for a child who has a meltdown each time you have a planned therapy session? Try implementing this weekly OT & Screen Time schedule to help both caregivers and children learn how to limit screen time- example included. Download for Free!
Tips:
Explain to caregivers the importance of limiting screen time- yes, it will be hard to pull an addicted child away from their screen. Emphasize the importance of consistency.
Ask caregivers to mark each day completed with an X on the calendar- we want parents to be interactive and follow through on their homework as well!
Provide caregivers with alternatives to screen time. For example, instead of 30 minutes of screen time, allow the child 30 minutes of outdoor play, sensory play, or engaging in a fun board game.
Allow 30 minutes of no screen time before and after therapy visits. We don’t want children associating therapy with something negative such as taking away their phones/screens. In addition, it allows a child to emotionally regulate prior to the therapy visit.
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