Name the frame
Kids may not realize the colorful rectangle is hosted elsewhere. A line that works at our house: “This is a window to another company’s game, like a show inside our website.” It invites questions about buttons they do not recognize or messages that pop up.
Timers before titles
Agree on minutes before tapping play. A visible timer ends negotiations about “just one more level.” When time is up, close the player first—then decide what comes next if you want to extend.
Curate from the mixed catalog
Our grid mixes speeds and themes on purpose. After school, a calmer story card may land better than night racing. After sitting still, something livelier might help. Offer two or three choices you are comfortable with instead of the whole list.
Model the full loop
If adults stay glued to feeds while asking kids to stop, the lesson muddies. Show open, play, close, walk away. Screens are fine; endless screens are the harder habit to unwind.