How do I end “one more level” without a blow-up every evening? 

Parenting Perspective 

Ending a period of screen time, especially when it involves video games, can often feel like walking into a storm. That familiar cry of, ‘Just one more level!’, is not usually a sign of pure defiance, but rather of the frustration that comes with being pulled away from something immersive and rewarding. Games are designed to hold our attention with constant progress, bright feedback, and instant wins. In contrast, the act of stopping can feel like a significant loss. A child’s emotional system in this state is often flooded with a sense of urgency, not rebellion. 

Your goal is to help them to transition from a state of high stimulation to one of stability, to leave the screen without their body or their mood crashing. It is not about punishing their play, but about teaching them how to find control after a period of excitement. The aim is to achieve a calm sense of closure, not a confrontation. 

Understand the Emotional and Physiological Shift 

Games can activate adrenaline and dopamine, the same chemicals that are involved in feelings of anticipation and achievement. When you suddenly turn the game off, your child’s body may still believe that it is in a race. You are not fighting their attitude; you are managing their physiology. Before reaching for control, it is more effective to first reach for connection: ‘I know you are in the middle of something fun. Let us make a plan for stopping calmly in a few minutes.’ This simple acknowledgement helps to lower their defensiveness. It says, ‘I see and respect your world,’ not ‘I am taking it away from you.’ 

Use Predictable and Structured Transitions 

The biggest blow-ups often happen when children are surprised by the end of an activity. You can replace sudden commands with structured warnings and signals. 

• Set clear limits beforehand. For example, ‘You can play until half past six. When the clock says half-past, the game will end.’ It is best to agree on this together before the device is even turned on. 

• Give two-step reminders. You could say, ‘You have five minutes left, so you can finish your level,’ followed by, ‘This is the last minute now, it is time to save your progress.’ This helps to prepare their brain for a sense of closure. 

• Replace the screen time with a calming ritual. It is helpful to offer a short follow-up activity that helps the body to slow down, such as having a snack, doing some gentle stretching, reading a book, or having a brief chat. This helps to bridge the adrenaline gap. 

Remain Calm When Resistance Appears 

If your child pleads for ‘one more level’, it is best not to enter into a debate. A calm but firm tone works best: ‘I know it is tempting, but our agreement was that it is time to stop now. You can look forward to your next playtime tomorrow.’ If they escalate, it is important to hold the boundary without scolding or making threats. Each peaceful enforcement of the rule teaches them that consistency is a form of safety, and that limits can be loving, not punitive. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam does not deny enjoyment, but it encourages us to discipline it. The noble Quran reminds believers that true success lies in finding a sense of balance, avoiding both excess and deprivation. Teaching your child to step away from their play with a sense of self-control is a gentle but profound lesson in wasatiyyah, the principle of moderation that protects both our joy and our peace. 

The Virtue of Balance and Restraint in Pleasure 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 31: 

‘ O children of Adam, take (appropriate) measures to beautify yourself (before you appear) at any place of worship (for Prayer); and eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance.‘ 

This verse guides us to enjoy the blessings of this life without being consumed by them. When you help your child to stop playing at the agreed time, you are nurturing this same spirit of being able to enjoy what is good, but also knowing when to pause. This is not restriction; it is a form of refinement. 

The Prophetic Teaching on True Self-Control 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 1317, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angry.’ 

Although this hadith speaks specifically about anger, its wisdom can be extended to all forms of impulse. When your child is able to stop an activity willingly at the right time, they are practising a form of strength: control over their own desires. You can remind them gently, ‘Real strength is being able to stop yourself when you want to do more. That is what the Prophet ﷺ taught us.’ Over time, this habit becomes about more than just video games. It becomes a form of spiritual discipline, learning to pause even when pleasure is calling.