The M.O.M. Method Introduces Time and Task Management Tools Benefiting Kids with (and without) Speci
SAN DIEGO – Time management is something most kids struggle with at some point. In fact, many adults do as well. But for kids with special needs, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome or executive functioning challenges, the concepts of time and task management are often even more elusive. The M.O.M. Method offers families an effective new Web-based tool for teaching kids these critical life skills – including both short- and long-term planning – in order to set them up for success both at school and at home.
The M.O.M. Method (Manage and Organize Myself) is the first comprehensive, Web-based parenting tool to combine time and task management tools for kids (ages six to up) and a practical step-by-step parenting guide for moms and dads.
“We see this is a niche use of a universal product,” said Stephanie Katleman, founder of The M.O.M. Method. “While all kids can benefit from effective time and task management skills, we have found that kids with special needs really respond positively to the structure, tools and family resources we’ve provided in the program. Our approach is about empowering kids in a series of progressive stages for the challenges they face every day, with the goal of acquiring greater confidence, competence and self-reliance.”
Researchers have linked strong time management skills in kids with success later in life, including both college and career. While knowing how to effectively manage one’s time is a critical life skill, it’s not something children are born with. It must be taught in a conscious and deliberate way, and reinforced through daily repetition to form good habits. The M.O.M. Method provides the structure and tools to do just that, so that kids start to understand how much time routine tasks take so they can learn to plan accordingly. This allows everything—from getting ready for school to completing homework and chores—to go much more smoothly for the whole family, reducing overall stress, anxiety and conflict.
The M.O.M. Method is a cross between a chores chart and a calendar. It goes beyond the basic checklist to teach kids about task management in a more meaningful way by introducing the element of time. This concept can be particularly challenging for students with special needs, who may be able tell basic clock time, but have difficulty estimating and planning for the time necessary to complete various tasks.
With The M.O.M. Method, new skills are honed in three progressive stages, with kids mastering one set of skills before moving onto the next. Being able to successfully—and independently—plan for the short- and long-term benefits kids at home, school and in all other aspects of their lives. In turn, kids are much better prepared for their current responsibilities as well as the more rigorous, future demands of the “Real World.”
The M.O.M. Method was created as a solution to the real-life challenges Founder Stephanie Katleman was having as a working single-mom. Designed as a recipe for good, positive parenting, the comprehensive program includes:
Time Management—The M.O.M. Method takes the family refrigerator calendar and kid’s chores chart to an entirely new level by providing responsibilities within the context of time—teaching kids to gauge and manage time for all the things they do
Task Management—Unique schedules and parenting methodology to help children to understand what they are responsible for doing and when—from personal care/hygiene to homework to household chores
Calendaring—Weekly and monthly calendars designed just for kids, serving as a road map and visual reminder so kids know what to expect each day so they are totally prepared and ready for action
Point System—An engaging point system to motivate children and help them understand the connection between their effort and the positive results it produces
Reporting—Insightful reports that enable parents to see trends in task performance, so they can make adjustments to their children’s schedules and responsibilities, as needed
Planning Tool—Proprietary online planning wizard that helps children learn the steps involved in short-term planning, from identifying what needs to get done to working backward and estimating time requirements
Communication Tools—Clear and concise worksheets and contracts to help parents and children work as a team to build trust and minimize power struggles
Parenting Resources—A step-by-step guide, parent forum (coming soon), blog, email tips and progress updates to support parents throughout the journey and optimize the family experience
Mobile App—A complement to our web-based program for convenient access (via iPhone/iPad) to checklists, tools and resources on the go
About The M.O.M. Method
The M.O.M. Method is the first comprehensive, Web-based parenting tool to combat “helicopter parenting.” by teaching kids (ages six to 12) the time and task management skills necessary to become more self-reliant, while removing parents from the role of task-master.
The software-as-a-service, or SaaS, program and is currently free to all users. Flexible membership plans and service levels will be introduced in the coming months. For more information or to sign up for The M.O.M. Method, visit www.MomMethod.com. The M.O.M. Method can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.