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The Start of On·Task On·Time for Kids
by Moschel Kadokura, President
On·Task On·Time for Kids has been twelve years in the making. This time
management system sprang from my necessity to have my five-year-old triplets ready
for school every morning and maintain my sanity at the same time. (They are now
seventeen and seniors in high school, and I have been told I am still relatively sane).
As in most busy households, getting my children out of bed, fed, dressed, organized, and
out the door was quite a task. Every morning started with my gentle reminders: "Please
get dressed." (three times for each task); which turned into nagging, "Hurry up and
get dressed!"; then yelling, "Why aren't you dressed yet??!!!"
By the time we were out the door, we were in a frenzy and late. Then, three days out of
five, we made the desperate run back to the house for the forgotten lunch, library book,
or sharing item. The pressure of making it "by the bell" really added to the stress.
The source of the conflict was that routine tasks needed to be done in a timely manner.
All the tasks were simple, and repeated each day. My children could complete everything
on their own, but they needed constant reminders and nagging from me to keep them
on-task. I realized that if I removed myself from the reminding and nagging role, they
would be able to complete everything on their own. Thus, On·Task On·Time for Kids
was born.
After using this On·Task system successfully for three years, I tucked it away thinking
that I was the only person who needed such a system - because of the unique challenges
that came with triplets. However, we had another child eight years later, and when he
started kindergarten, I found myself with the same challenge. He could not get himself
ready and through a routine without my reminders. Now that he has started third grade,
he also successfully uses the On·Task system during the school year on school days (we
break from routine on weekends and summer).
My children enjoyed using the timer because it gave them a sense of purpose and
independence in the morning. They became more confident and self-reliant because they
knew what they were supposed to do and when to do it. They were rewarded with a
few minutes of Sesame Street when they "beat the timer" (TV in the morning was
usually not allowed). They were happy that they didn't have a harassed mother nagging
them.
Purpose for the On·Task On·Time for Kids
Many parenting experts agree 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.
The On·Task On·Time for Kids was designed so that parent and child could establish
that daily routine with fun pictures and a reward system. It helps children stay on-task
and work independently, thus building self-esteem and self-reliance. Because it removes
a parent from nagging or constantly reminding a child of what to do, parents can focus
on their own tasks during transition times as well.
What this system does not do:
The first time I used this system, I had a wonderful feeling of being relaxed and in-control
during a once hectic and stress-filled time of day. I hope that by using the On·Task
On·Time for Kids, you too will be able to say good-bye to stressful mornings,
afternoons, and nights filled with power struggles, and you will enjoy watching your child
become more self-reliant, independent, and confident.
Moschel Kadokura and Family
by Moschel Kadokura, President
On·Task On·Time for Kids has been twelve years in the making. This time
management system sprang from my necessity to have my five-year-old triplets ready
for school every morning and maintain my sanity at the same time. (They are now
seventeen and seniors in high school, and I have been told I am still relatively sane).
As in most busy households, getting my children out of bed, fed, dressed, organized, and
out the door was quite a task. Every morning started with my gentle reminders: "Please
get dressed." (three times for each task); which turned into nagging, "Hurry up and
get dressed!"; then yelling, "Why aren't you dressed yet??!!!"
By the time we were out the door, we were in a frenzy and late. Then, three days out of
five, we made the desperate run back to the house for the forgotten lunch, library book,
or sharing item. The pressure of making it "by the bell" really added to the stress.
The source of the conflict was that routine tasks needed to be done in a timely manner.
All the tasks were simple, and repeated each day. My children could complete everything
on their own, but they needed constant reminders and nagging from me to keep them
on-task. I realized that if I removed myself from the reminding and nagging role, they
would be able to complete everything on their own. Thus, On·Task On·Time for Kids
was born.
After using this On·Task system successfully for three years, I tucked it away thinking
that I was the only person who needed such a system - because of the unique challenges
that came with triplets. However, we had another child eight years later, and when he
started kindergarten, I found myself with the same challenge. He could not get himself
ready and through a routine without my reminders. Now that he has started third grade,
he also successfully uses the On·Task system during the school year on school days (we
break from routine on weekends and summer).
My children enjoyed using the timer because it gave them a sense of purpose and
independence in the morning. They became more confident and self-reliant because they
knew what they were supposed to do and when to do it. They were rewarded with a
few minutes of Sesame Street when they "beat the timer" (TV in the morning was
usually not allowed). They were happy that they didn't have a harassed mother nagging
them.
Purpose for the On·Task On·Time for Kids
Many parenting experts agree 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.
The On·Task On·Time for Kids was designed so that parent and child could establish
that daily routine with fun pictures and a reward system. It helps children stay on-task
and work independently, thus building self-esteem and self-reliance. Because it removes
a parent from nagging or constantly reminding a child of what to do, parents can focus
on their own tasks during transition times as well.
What this system does not do:
- It is not meant to be used all hours of the day or intrude on the natural spontaneity
of young children - It is not meant to rush a child or speed up a routine.
- It is not meant to be an authority over children.
The first time I used this system, I had a wonderful feeling of being relaxed and in-control
during a once hectic and stress-filled time of day. I hope that by using the On·Task
On·Time for Kids, you too will be able to say good-bye to stressful mornings,
afternoons, and nights filled with power struggles, and you will enjoy watching your child
become more self-reliant, independent, and confident.
Moschel Kadokura and Family
| "Already, it has made our lives and morning and bedtime routines a lot easier. It's been very helpful." -Trisha, mom of Taylor, 8, and Kamryn, 6 San Diego, CA Read more user comments |
Timely Matters, Inc.
c. 2006, - 2008
1-800-731-4272
c. 2006, - 2008
1-800-731-4272
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Please listen to Moschel Kadokura's interview with Dr. Susan Reid (Accidental Pren-her
Show), describing the inspiration and process for starting On·Task On·Time for Kids.
For more information on Dr. Reid's Accidental Pren-her Show: Stories of the
Unexpected, please visit our Resources page.
Show), describing the inspiration and process for starting On·Task On·Time for Kids.
For more information on Dr. Reid's Accidental Pren-her Show: Stories of the
Unexpected, please visit our Resources page.
