As a mother of a spirited 9-year-old boy named Jackson, navigating the ups and downs of his behavior has been a constant journey. We’ve faced our fair share of challenges, from morning meltdowns to homework battles. However, discovering Joon, a unique app that gamifies daily tasks and responsibilities, has been a game-changer for us. Here are five specific ways Joon helped improve Jackson’s behavior.
What is Joon?
Joon is an innovative app designed to help parents manage their children’s behavior by turning daily tasks and responsibilities into a fun and engaging game. The app’s primary goal is to make routine activities enjoyable for children, thereby reducing resistance and encouraging positive behavior. By incorporating elements of gamification, such as earning rewards and leveling up, Joon transforms mundane tasks into exciting challenges that children are eager to complete.
How Does Joon Work?
Setting up Joon is straightforward. Parents create a profile for their child and customize a list of tasks and responsibilities that need to be addressed. These tasks can range from simple daily routines, like brushing teeth and making the bed, to more complex activities, such as completing homework and engaging in social interactions. Each task is assigned a specific reward, which can be virtual coins, points, or other incentives that motivate the child to complete them.
The app’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and visually appealing, making it easy for children to navigate and stay engaged. As children complete tasks, they earn rewards that they can use within the app to unlock new levels, purchase virtual items, or achieve other milestones. This immediate positive reinforcement helps build a sense of accomplishment and encourages the development of good habits over time.
Special Offer
Bonus! If you go through KashKick to start a subscription for Joon, you’ll get a $25 reward! Joon has Jackson for rewards…I have KashKick! (Pedicure, anyone???)
1. Tackling Morning Routines
Mornings used to be the most stressful part of our day. Getting Jackson out of bed, dressed, and ready for school was a daily struggle filled with resistance and tantrums. I often found myself repeating the same commands, feeling more like a broken record than a mother.
How Joon Helped
With Joon, we set up a morning routine checklist that included tasks like making his bed, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed. Each task had a reward attached to it, which Jackson could earn by completing them without fuss. The app’s game-like interface made these mundane tasks fun for him.
The Result
Almost immediately, mornings became smoother. Jackson was excited to earn his virtual coins and see his progress. The consistent rewards and clear expectations helped him take ownership of his morning routine. Now, he gets ready for school with minimal reminders, and our mornings are much more peaceful.
2. Improving Homework Time
Homework time was another battleground. Jackson would procrastinate, complain, and often end up in tears, making it a dreaded part of our day. It was challenging to keep him focused and motivated to complete his assignments.
How Joon Helped
We incorporated homework tasks into Joon, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps like “complete math worksheet” and “read for 20 minutes.” Each completed task earned him rewards, and we also set up a bonus reward for completing all homework tasks for the week.
The Result
Jackson’s attitude towards homework shifted dramatically. The smaller steps made the tasks feel less overwhelming, and the rewards kept him motivated. He started completing his assignments more efficiently and with a better attitude. Homework time is no longer a fight, and Jackson even takes pride in showing us his completed tasks on the app.
3. Encouraging Positive Social Behavior
Jackson has always been a bit shy and had trouble making friends. He would often avoid social situations, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. We wanted to help him develop better social skills and confidence in interacting with his peers.
How Joon Helped
We used Joon to set up social tasks, such as “initiate a conversation with a classmate” or “invite a friend to play.” These tasks encouraged Jackson to step out of his comfort zone, with the incentive of earning rewards for his efforts.
The Result
Gradually, we noticed a positive change in Jackson’s social interactions. He started making more friends and became more confident in social settings. The rewards system provided the extra push he needed to take those first steps, and his growing confidence did the rest. Jackson now looks forward to social activities, and we’ve seen a significant improvement in his overall happiness and well-being.
4. Managing Screen Time
Like many kids his age, Jackson loves screen time. Whether it’s playing video games or watching his favorite shows, it was becoming increasingly difficult to limit his screen time without a fight. We needed a way to set healthy boundaries without constant conflict.
How Joon Helped
We integrated screen time management into Joon by setting up tasks that needed to be completed before earning screen time. Tasks included things like “play outside for 30 minutes” and “complete chores.” Only after these tasks were done could he earn time on his devices.
The Result
This new system worked wonders. Jackson became more motivated to finish his tasks quickly and efficiently to earn his screen time. It not only helped in reducing the daily battles over screen usage but also encouraged him to engage in more physical activities and complete his chores. Our home environment became more balanced, and Jackson learned the importance of managing his time effectively.
5. Fostering Independence with Daily Chores
Getting Jackson to do his chores was always a challenge. He often viewed them as boring and would avoid them at all costs, leading to frequent nagging and arguments.
How Joon Helped
We used Joon to make chore completion more engaging. We set up a list of daily chores with corresponding rewards. Tasks like “take out the trash,” “feed the dog,” and “clean your room” became part of his daily routine on the app.
The Result
The gamified approach of Joon turned chores into a fun and rewarding activity for Jackson. He began to take pride in completing his chores and earning rewards. This not only helped in getting the chores done but also taught him responsibility and the value of contributing to the household. The sense of accomplishment he felt boosted his confidence and fostered a sense of independence.
Conclusion
Joon has been an invaluable tool in helping us address and improve Jackson’s behavioral challenges. Its engaging and structured approach has made a significant difference in our daily lives, turning struggles into successes. If you’re a parent facing similar issues, I highly recommend giving Joon a try. It’s not just an app; it’s a pathway to positive change and a happier, more harmonious family life.
Here’s a related article you might like: My Hands-On Approach to Teaching Kids about Credit and Budgeting