Teaching your child to be smart with screens can help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. One simple way to do this is by using the “Smart Steps Wheel.”
This three-step process helps kids understand when and how to use screens in a balanced way and encourages them to stay connected to the real world once their screen time is over.
The Smart Steps Wheel
You will find this printable wheel in the Teach Me How resource, “Be Smart With Screens: Learning When to Pick Up a Screen and When to Put it Down.” Here’s how the Smart Steps Wheel works:
1. Get a Thumbs Up
Before your child picks up a device, it’s important that they check in with you first. This is the “Thumbs Up” step. Deciding with a parent or caregiver ensures that screen time happens at the right time and for the right reasons. It also gives you a chance to ask what they plan to do with the screen. Are they watching a video, playing a game, or doing homework? By starting with a thumbs up, you help them make thoughtful choices instead of just mindlessly reaching for a device.
2. Set a Time
Once you’ve given the thumbs up, the next step is to set a time. This is a simple but powerful way to avoid letting screens become too sticky. Use a timer—whether it’s on the device or an actual kitchen timer. Agree on how much time your child will use the screen and stick to it!
This teaches your child to be mindful of how long they’re using technology and helps them make space for other activities like playing outside, reading, or spending time with family. When the timer goes off, it’s a signal to wrap things up, which makes transitioning away from the screen easier.
3. Make a Plan
The last step is making a plan for what comes after screen time. Before starting, ask your child what they’ll do when their screen time is up. We never want them to lose interest in the things they love to do! Will they play with toys, ride their bike, or help with a family project? Having a plan in place helps them shift their focus from the screen back to the real world. It’s also a great way to remind them that there’s plenty of fun and learning that can happen beyond the screen.
Why These Steps Work
The Smart Steps Wheel is a simple tool that helps children make intentional choices about when and how they use screens, and it sets clear boundaries for time spent on devices. And most importantly, it helps children remember that while screens can be useful and fun, they’re just one small part of a healthy and active life. By getting a thumbs up, setting a time, and making a plan for what’s next, your child will develop the self-discipline and habits they need to use technology in a smart and healthy way.
The “Be Smart with Screens” Resource
This month’s Teach Me How resource is all about teaching children the difference between smart and sticky screen time. The lesson, activity, and role plays will help your child answer these questions:
- What are the best uses of screen time?
- How do screens affect my relationships with those around me?
- When is it okay to pick up a screen, and when should I put it down?
- How can I create a plan so I don’t get “stuck” on a screen?
Download it today for only $6! And let’s start making better screen time choices together.
If you’d like more help teaching your child about being smart with technology, you’ll enjoy these resources:
- The Tech-Wise Child: Raising Your Child to Make Wise Technology Choices – Webinar
- Screens: 5 Steps to Create Positive Boundaries at Home
- Watch my highlight videos on Instagram “screens” “teens” and “awake”