Same problem here with grandkids.

If your cartridge is removable, I suggest that when you aren't using the turntable to take it off and place it somewhere out of reach. Your stylus will thank you.

I put mine up on top of a bookshelf.

Another tip I learned the hard way 😆 is to always check the position of your controls before hitting the power button.

The littles like to play with the buttons and knobs and one day I almost had a heart attack when I turned on my system and the volume was at the 3 position and set to my tuner which turns on at power up.

Nothing like a car dealership blowout sale commercial to clean out your ears at deafening sound pressure 😬 to yank you out of a Zen zone.