Screens and Homework: Boundaries Without Drama

The goal isn’t “less screens”. It’s calm predictability. When children know the rule, the routine becomes automatic — and you stop renegotiating every evening.

Think of it as setting the system once, then letting the system do the work.

Related guides: Study Skills & Focus · Parenting & Routines · All blog posts

Who this is for

• Parents of ages 7–11 who feel like screen time becomes a daily negotiation.
• Families where homework and bedtime routines keep getting derailed.
• Parents who want a rule that reduces arguments (not a perfect “no screens” plan).

Why this becomes a battle (it’s not the child)

Screen conflict usually comes from one of these:

• The rule changes day to day. Kids keep testing because the system is unclear.
• The boundary is missing a piece. So you end up arguing about timing, fairness, or exceptions.
• Transitions are unmanaged. Going from “fun” to “stop now” creates friction unless it’s predictable.

The three-part boundary

A strong boundary has three parts. If you miss one, you’ll end up arguing about it later.

1. When screens are allowed

   Be specific: after school? after dinner? weekends only?

   Make it time-based, not mood-based. “When you’ve been good” creates endless debate.

2. What must happen first

   What earns screen time: homework done, reading done, chores done, or a set time block?

   Pick one clear “first”. Too many conditions makes it feel impossible.

3. What happens if the rule breaks

   Keep consequences simple and predictable — no lectures, no negotiations.

   Example: “If you argue or don’t stop, screens are off tomorrow.”

A simple default (works for most families)

If you want an easy starting point, use this:

• Homework first (small break is fine, but no scrolling)
• Screens after (set a timer before you start)
• Screens off 45–60 minutes before bed (sleep wins everything)

Why this default works

• It protects sleep. Sleep improves behaviour, focus, and learning.
• It protects homework. Work gets done before the “dopamine drop” of stopping screens.
• It reduces arguing. The timer becomes the “bad guy,” not you.

How to make stopping easier (the transition trick)

The hardest moment is the last 2 minutes. So make it predictable:

• Give a 5-minute warning. “Five minutes left.”
• Give a 1-minute warning. “One minute. Wrap up.”
• End on a ritual. “Screens off → charger → next activity.”

Children handle rules better when transitions aren’t sudden.

Try this next

Write the rule down as one sentence. Then agree it together.

Example: “Homework first, then screens for 30 minutes, and screens end one hour before bed.”

One rule. Clear timing. No daily debate.

Mini challenge (7 days)

• Pick your one-sentence rule.
• Run it for 7 days without tweaking it.
• At the end, adjust one thing only (time, timing, or consequence).

If your child struggles with getting started on work before screens, pair this with: The 10-Minute Focus Routine.