Agree before pressing play
Tell your child how long the session will last and what will happen afterward. Where possible, choose a natural stopping point such as the end of a short episode. Set the timer where it can be seen without covering the content.
Give a kind reminder
A short reminder near the end gives time to finish a small action or save a game. Avoid adding surprise time limits. If extra time is appropriate, explain why you are changing the plan and update the timer visibly.
Make the next step concrete
At the finish, help put the device away and offer a clear next action: shoes on, a snack, or choosing a book. A countdown cannot remove every difficult feeling, but a consistent explanation and adult support can make the ending easier to understand.
