How to Create Calm Moments Even for Kids Addicted to Video Games

Why calm time matters—and why it's so elusive for screen-loving kids

If you're a parent of a child between 6 and 12, chances are you've watched your kid transform into a bundle of energy the moment they slip into video game mode. It’s not that video games are inherently bad—many are thoughtfully designed, stimulating, and even social. But when a child becomes accustomed to constant digital stimulation, the idea of sitting still and “relaxing” can feel boring or even unbearable for them.

So how do you introduce the concept of calm time to a child who thrives on high-energy play and screen-based adventure?

Calm is not the opposite of fun—it’s the balance

Imagine calm time not as a punishment for enjoying screen time, but as a complementary part of your child’s rhythm. Just as athletes need rest to perform better, kids who are especially drawn to screens often benefit immensely from stillness. But the key lies in how you frame it: not as a restriction, but as an invitation.

Many kids push back against calm moments because they associate them with being told to stop doing what they enjoy. That’s why transitions and timing matter. If you haven't yet, check out our guide on how to help your child transition from screen time to other activities smoothly—it lays the groundwork for change, not resistance.

Create micro-moments of calm before scaling up

A common myth is that calm time needs to look like a child sitting cross-legged in silence for 30 minutes. In reality, stillness grows in small doses. For screen-hooked kids, even five minutes of calm can make a remarkable difference if it’s done with consistency and intention.

Start by identifying low-pressure moments in your day, such as just after breakfast or before bedtime. Offer a short, soothing experience: quiet drawing, lying down with closed eyes, or listening to an audiobook—without screens. These don’t feel like chores; they’re small invitations to unwind.

One helpful tool for this stage is the LISN Kids App, which features original audio series and audiobooks specifically designed for kids ages 3–12. Its screen-free stories let children rest their eyes while keeping their imaginations engaged. You can find LISN Kids for iOS or on Android. Here’s a preview:

Use familiar rhythms and language

Children, especially those accustomed to video games, tend to respond well to routines and cues. The sounds, colors, and fast-paced action of screen games provide a rhythm that calms them in a paradoxically exciting way. To shift into calm time, introduce a new pattern—one that’s just as familiar and predictable, but slower and soothing.

Try saying something like, “Before we hop into the next level of your game, let’s take a few minutes to power up your brain with a quiet break.” Using language that connects with their interests (yes, even gaming language) reduces friction and increases cooperation.

If you’re figuring out the best schedule for screen use, this article on the best times of day to let kids play video games without guilt might help you structure calm moments more effectively.

Let calm moments become a shared space

Perhaps the most powerful shift happens when calm time becomes something you do together. Children naturally mirror the adults around them. If they see you sitting quietly with a book, stretching, or simply sipping tea in silence, they begin to interpret calm as something normal—maybe even enjoyable.

Invite them into these moments without making it about them calming down. Say, "I'm going to take a quiet break, do you want to join me for a few minutes?" No pressure, just an open invitation. These shared rituals can become anchors in your day, especially during stressful or overstimulated times.

Don’t demonize screens—reframe their role

Helping your child find balance isn’t about demonizing the activities they love. It’s about broadening their emotional range. Screens offer stimulation, reward loops, and often a sense of mastery. Calm moments offer something just as vital: space, connection, and emotional regulation.

It helps to view both ends of the spectrum—action and rest—as equally important in your child’s development. In fact, one of our most read resources dives into how to balance focus and relaxation for screen-loving kids.

If you're concerned about content quality or the volume of gaming, our article on what video games are appropriate for children may help you assess your child’s media diet holistically, even beyond relaxation strategies.

Grace over perfection

Ultimately, the process of bringing calm into your child’s life—especially if they’re tightly bonded to screen-based entertainment—won’t happen overnight. Like any skill, serenity takes practice. Your patient presence is more impactful than any specific method. Even if calm time only lasts three minutes today, that’s three more than yesterday.

Your child may not see the value of slowing down right away. That’s okay. You’re offering something precious they won’t fully appreciate until they truly need it. And when that time comes—rather than seeking distraction—they’ll have learned how to pause, breathe, and reset in a way that feels natural and safe.

That’s not just a parenting win; it’s a lifelong gift.