For the Child Who Wants the Tablet at Bedtime

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. The tablet charges on the kitchen counter from seven o’clock. It sleeps out here.

2. Handing it over feels like the day is ending too early, and you are not wrong about that.

3. One show before seven, then you carry it to the counter and plug it in yourself.

4. It comes back tomorrow after lunch, and at seven you walk it out again.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.