Set a timer!

Does your child balk over assignments?  Set a timer.  Kids usually like the idea there is a finite period of time for any project, assignment, or activity.  We use timers all the time.  During the summer, we designated three hours for the core four: Math, Science, History, and English.  We might stretch the time to 3 1/2 hours.  What about the rest of the day?  It’s all timed.  It’s been so hot, we do a 45 minute walk/bike ride after breakfast.  When we return, we are all sapped from the heat.  Then it’s 15 minutes to read, get a drink, and recover.  Now the three hour, core four countdown begins.  After lunch and School, it’s time for a project: K’nex roller coaster, a science lab, photography, or art.  Labs or K’nex take about 45 minutes.  Paul, ten, loathes any craft.  He will do some art.  Art usually is about 20 minutes.  Everyday, Paul and my husband do 30 minutes of guitar, sometimes lessons, sometimes,practice.  Paul’s daddy wants him to learn how to program and type.  Paul also does ten minutes of Mavis Beacon teaches typing and 20 minutes of programming games, such as 7 Billion or MIT Scratch.  He does 15 or 20 minutes of programming the Lego Boost guitar.  Google Home Mini gets a workout everyday.  There is still plenty of time to text Uncle, play Yahtzee or Chess, and read.  Yes, there is plenty of negotiation over the amount of time to set for every activity.