Quiet Play Before Screens (A Tiny Routine That Changes the Whole Day)

If screens are part of your family rhythm (no judgment here), one of the simplest ways to make the day feel better is to add one small step before the screen step.

I call it: Quiet Play Before Screens.

Not a big activity. Not a lesson. Just 5–10 minutes of hands-on play that helps the brain settle before the dopamine fireworks begin.

The routine

First: 5–10 minutes of quiet play

Then: screens (if you’re doing screens)

That’s it.

Why it helps (in real-life language)

Quiet play gives your child a soft landing:

their hands get a job
their nervous system gets a chance to regulate
transitions get easier
the day starts with agency, not negotiation

What counts as “quiet play”

Pick one:

puzzles, blocks, pegboard patterns
Tactile Sand on a tray
coloring or sticker scenes
a short book in a cozy corner
sorting toys by color/size

Make it easy to follow

Set out one option the night before (seriously—one).

In the morning you say:

“First quiet play, then screens.”

And you point to the activity like a calm flight attendant. 😄

If you want, tell me your child’s age and your morning pain point (slow start, sibling drama, grumpy moods), and I’ll suggest the best quiet-play pick for your house.

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