A before-screen chore chart works best when it is not a punishment. The message is: "screens come after we take care of our body, our space, and our family."

Choose tiny helpful tasks

  • Put shoes in the basket.
  • Clear your snack plate.
  • Match five socks.
  • Water one plant.
  • Put books back in one spot.

Use a three-part routine

Before screens: move your body, help with one task, and make or read something. That routine gives kids a path instead of a debate.

Keep the chart visible

Print one page and place it near the place where screen requests usually happen. If the chart lives in a drawer, it will not do the work.

Try this script: "First body, helping, and making. Then we decide about screens."
Open before-screen checklist