On Task On Time
| July 14, 2009 | Posted by Brenda under Time Management |
It never ceases to amaze me how many great ideas and products are out there to make our lives easier. On Task, On Time for Kids is one of them.
On Task On Time is a unique timer made just for kids that helps them get their tasks and chores done without mom nagging them to do it. Can you imagine how different your life would be if you could significantly reduce the reminders to your ADHD child, and be able to rely on them to do what they should when they should?
On Task On Time is the brainchild of Moschel Kadokura, who came up with the idea after one too many mornings trying to get her 5 year old triplets out the door on time. The system worked well for her, and then again 8 years later when she had another child.
On Task On Time is much more than a timer. It is a portable and customizable chore chart that builds in motivation to get things done. Moschel calls it “beat the clock” and it is apparently a great motivator for many kids.
Moschel also points out that
“…an established routine helps children during transition
from sleep to school; from school time to home; from family time to bed time. A
routine promotes stability by letting children know what is going to happen next and what
they are expected to accomplish.”.
As parents of ADHD children, we know how difficult transitions can be for them; a product such as this that helps them make those transitions easier can be very beneficial. It also has the advantage of “remembering” for the child what needs to be done and in what order and lets them see what comes next.
Moschel suggests a reward system for tasks done on time or before the timer goes off. She even provides a place on the back of the timer to keep track. In addition, if your child is one who does not respond well to being timed, there is the option of turning the ticker off. You can also allow as much time as you think is needed for certain tasks simply by spacing the next task further away.
On Task On Time includes 3 disks so that you can allow for different tasks at different parts of the day (before school, after school, before bed) and includes 52 task stickers as well as blank stickers to make it easy to set up a routine.
For more details, be sure to check out the site and Moschel’s blog, too.
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Well, I think the idea is good, but it needs perfection. First, all kids differ as for the speed of their activity, and as for the things they do faster and slower. Second, it will keep obedient kids stressed. Third, if the kid doesn’t listen to you, why do you think s/he will not throw out this timer into the garbage?..)) And besides, this device does not leave any positive feedback for the kid after fulfilling the task, which will promptly make the kid start hating the timer.