We have a rule in our house — Kids are allowed on tech (computers, TV, tablet etc) once they are ready for school and done all of their morning jobs. For my kids, and I’m sure for most kids, time on tech is a major motivator. My kids range in age from 7 to 11. They are certainly old enough to self-manage the basics in their life.
The list of things the kids have to do no not huge. They have to eat breakfast, get their uniform on, clean their teeth, and ensure the lounge floor is tidy. They are also supposed to empty the dishwasher or feed our chickens if it is their turn. We also have an extracurricular exercise where each of the kids is learning a language on Duolingo — They have to have done one lesson each day (which they do on a specially designed device).
Every morning I get asked, “Dad, can I go on tech now? I’ve done all my jobs.” to which I reply “have you “fed the chickens?” or “have you emptied the dishwasher?”. Half the time the answer is “yes” and half the time the answer is “oh I forgot” (sigh).
Then when it is time to fly out the door, the kids are slow to turn the computer off. “I can’t find my shoes”, “Where is my jersey?”, “I need to go toilet”. All the while I’m getting frustrated at them for not being ready and they are getting frustrated at me for being frustrated at them!
No more!
Over the weekend we instituted a daily checklist. Before the kids are allowed on tech each of them must complete AND SIGN a “contract” stating they have completed everything on the list and agree to the consequences if they have not done as they said.
We’ve also spelled out ALL the little jobs which need to be done before they are allowed on Tech and ensure we can fly out the door as the clock ticks 8:25. This might seem pedantic, but if I know my kids, they will find loopholes.
Now the question is still “can I go on tech” but this time I know the kids have been more diligent in completing their jobs. They present me with a signed contract and understand the consequences of what happens if they skip a job or jump on tech before they are supposed to.
This is also teaching the kids how to be organised and to be able to self-manage, and experience how contracts work.
This is a new thing for us. So far it is working well. I wonder how long it will take to find additional loopholes?
Contract
Here is the contract we are currently using