Show HN: Oh Yah – Routine management app I built for my sons

[gantengx]

Hi HN! I built Oh Yah! to help my sons (age 7 and 10) stick to daily routines without constant reminders. The core idea: minimal distractions during tasks by locking navigation when a timer is running, plus optional photo-based task completion for accountability

Built with React Native/Expo and Firebase. The trickiest part was designing the UX to be simple enough for kids with minimal distractions while giving parents enough control – ended up with a task-definition system that lets parents create weekly schedules with daily toggles instead of duplicating tasks across days

It's on the App Store now after a few months of dogfooding with my family. There's a 1-month free trial, then it's subscription-based. Would love feedback from other parents dealing with similar challenges

[TheSilva]

Slightly off-topic, but as this will require kids to have access to an unlocked phone...

I remember Windows Phone had the feature of "unlocked apps", which you could run without having to unlock the phone: think calculator, browser, games. It was called Kids Corner[1].

Have any other OS (iOS/Androind) copied anything similar to that? This app will (or at least in my case) live in a place like that, where they do not have access to the whole platform.

[1] https://www.windowscentral.com/kids-corner-windows-phone-8

[piltdownman]

For Android w/Playstore you can set up a child's account through Google and then use Google Family Link app to control app downloads, block specific apps, and set content restrictions for apps, movies, and games.

You can set down times for the whole phone and lock it remotely which is of huge benefit for bedtimes!

[darkamaul]

I still have some nostalgia for Windows Phone. I genuinely liked the platform - even bought an Omnia 7 back in the day, and later a Lumia 1020 (that camera was so good).

I still think the tile based UI was underrated. Live Tiles felt like a smart idea that never quite got the support it needed. It's one of those "what could have been" stories in tech.

[gantengx]

Yeah, that's a valid concern. We use an older spare iPhone for this, which worked out well. iOS doesn't have a "Kids Corner" equivalent unfortunately - you'd need to use Screen Time restrictions to lock down the device (block apps/calls/etc) but still need to unlock the phone

[ricardobeat]

You can do that using 'Settings -> Accessibility -> Guided Access' in iOS.

[presentation]

Maybe can do basically the same thing with a dumb SMS/MMS-based interface actually, text-adventure style. Then could do it with a dumb phone.

[port11]

iOS lets you do something very similar with Guided Access: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111795

[itake]

iOS lets you lock apps behind faceID.

All my communication and banking apps are protected.

[alphazard]

The app itself is a great idea, but looking through the demo video I see lots of bad "tiger parent" memes. I don't think that I would want to force a child to do these sorts of tasks in a regimen, or be forced as a child to perform them.

The demo video (which does showcase the app well), includes things like chess and piano and homework. Does the child like doing any of these? Have you vetted the homework as worth the child's time?

Missing from the list are things that translate to adulthood, like physically training every day and performing useful tasks like chores in exchange for something like money. You have to exercise as an adult even if you don't want to, it's part of the human condition. If you don't become accustomed to conditioning as an adolescent and only exercise through sports, it can be difficult to stay fit as an adult. You have to perform useful work because we live in a world of scarcity, but doing hobbies that don't interest you because they impress people or your parents told you to do them as a child is absolutely nuts.

I should add: I'm not criticizing your parenting decisions, obviously I have none of the relevant context, but I thought I would convey a sentiment that may exist in your market demographic, which you maybe don't share.

[Thorrez]

>Have you vetted the homework as worth the child's time?

If the homework isn't worth the child's time, what do you suggest? Don't do it and get a bad grade? Parent does it for the child? Ask AI to do it? (That would still take time and thus should probably be on the schedule.) Talk to the teacher to ask it not be done?

[gantengx]

Fair points, and I appreciate the candid feedback. The demo tasks were chosen to showcase different task types (timed, photo-proof, etc) rather than being prescriptive about what kids should do. But I can see how it reads as "tiger parent starter pack"

For context: my older son genuinely enjoys chess and piano, and this structured schedule approach was recommended by their child psychologist. We tried paper-based scheduling but it didn't stick, so my wife asked me to build an app to help

Your point about useful adult skills is well taken. The hope is they internalise the habit of planning and following through, so eventually they can set their own schedules. We'll see how it goes

[samteeeee]

Give the kids a break... let them be free to play. They are only 7 and 10, why do they need daily routines, task completion, accountability, timers? Sheesh.

[elevation]

By 7, children should already be practicing some personal disciplines in basic self care (teeth brushing) and managing their personal spaces.

10 years old is a good time to expand self care with additional hygiene (deodorant) ahead of adolescence, but it's also ideal to incorporate a few daily pushups or other calesthenics so this practice will be there during the years when their growth hormone levels will be the highest. And even 2 minutes of musical instrument practice daily can also be transformational.

A modest daily routine at a young age can be life changing.

[joebo]

I have 3 kids (14, 12, 11). I could have used something like this when they were around 10-12 to create some accountability for simple tasks like "pick up your room" or more commonly the dreaded 20 minutes of reading, especially when they ask for extra screen time.

The demo video has more than I would ask my kids to do, but 1-2 minor things that should be done every day isn't a sheesh to me.

[pizzafeelsright]

I run a walled garden. Full freedom of the garden within the confines of the wall. My kids: wake up - make your bed. Prep breakfast for self or others, play until breakfast. Then clean up, homeschool, then freedom until I get off work. Then a period of quiet time where we do not interact with others unless invited. Then it is "bless another" for an hour where we work on something for someone else.

The only timer is for video games because time passes differently when playing. And video game time is purchased through exercise.

I try to model and build schedules to maximize their ability to balance managing themselves, a business, their time, and their family.

[IncreasePosts]

You could try asking OP instead of sheeshing it off.

Any ways, just because you have some "structure routine" in your day doesn't mean you don't also have many hours of free play time.

[ale42]

Not to criticize the idea, but do we really need to give our kids yet _more_ screen time, especially young ones? Pedagogically, what is the message for them here? You need a phone for everything?

[mabbo]

Not all time spent interacting with a screen is "screen time".

The problematic thing is kids spending endless hours just absorbing rather than playing or interacting or doing stuff. It culminates in kids (and adults) who cannot mentally handle being bored- they must have the screen to relieve the horrors of the idle mind.

If achieving these same goals is easier without an app for you and your kids, then by all means, do that. But an app on a screen is a very powerful tool to structure and organize things. My daughter is still a bit young for this one, but I can see how useful it will be when she's a couple years older.

[sjw987]

Gotta get them hooked early. You really shouldn't need apps at any age to keep you on track with tasks.

[IncreasePosts]

How about "thoughtful use of tools can help you create structure and systems which help you achieve your goals"

What is screen time any way? Spending 3 hours playing candy crush and 3 hours reading moby dick on the kindle app are both screen time. What's the commonality between them?

[leipert]

There is a thing called „routine cards“ for children which is how we handle morning/evening routines. They are colourful cards that you can velcro on in any order. Similar things are available for weekly routines

[gantengx]

Glad that works for you! We tried paper-based routines but they didn't stick for us. The timer helps them realize tasks take less time than they think, and the photo proof solves disputes about task quality when sometimes their "done" meant rushed with minimal effort :D

[Dxtros]

I think this concept could be adapted to a wider audience. Personally I struggle with routine. Body Doubling (doing something with another human holding you accountable) helps me a ton.

I would definitely use this if instead of the parents as the reviewer it was possible to have a friend/multiple friends approve, rate and comment on tasks and vice versa. Like a sort of social media for mundane routines.

[tummler]

Yeah, I think this would work well generally, not just for kids. And ADHD folks in particular.

[gantengx]

I did consider that early on, but decided against it for now. Adding social features would be a privacy nightmare (especially with kids involved) and would significantly complicate both the UX and codebase

[port11]

Maybe Beeminder.com or one of the peer pressure equivalents?

[Brajeshwar]

I’m trying some sort of a routine and patterns of habits with my kids, and so far are full of misses. I made a checklist based weekly routine on a spreadsheet with task such as racking the dishwasher, and pushing the right buttons on it, the same goes for clothes — learn to separate clothes based on color, and other characteristics etc.

This a simple printed paper stuck near the kitchen for them to just run their fingers on the checklist to see if they have to do for the day of the week. There is no specific time or a deadline but I’m training them to look at in the morning, after school, and before bed. For instance, the before bed routine makes sure we run the dishwasher while we sleep to have fresh washed dishes the next morning.

Besides the usual rewards of extra game-time, chocolates, etc. we have also introduced a “Daughter of the Month” with special privileges.

[TimTheTinker]

    You should try Oh Yah! if:
    - Your child struggles with daily routines and needs constant reminders
    - Mornings and after-school time are stressful battles
    - You've tried reward charts and systems that didn't stick
    - Your child needs clear structure but gets overwhelmed easily
    - You want to build independence without constant nagging
    - You need a solution that works for the whole family

This sounds like a household with a lot of ADHD. :)

[mcdooglator]

Wow this is perfect. As a parent who is looking to avoid real interactions with my kid while also getting them started on the smart phone serotonin addiction this is perfect. With this I won't have to actually talk to little margaret when she isn't doing enough calculus.

What is your pricing model?

[aae42]

Preparing them for the future when all of their work will be laid out this way to maximize productivity

[xrd]

I wrote up a screen plan for my kids. They get an hour of screentime a day (2 hrs on weekends). They have to write on the whiteboard the time they start, and I have a camera watching the whiteboard (with sound off) if I need to verify they put their devices back afterwards (I've never had to audit them yet).

It has worked wonders. It is not perfect but my two 8 and 10 year old daughters have used it. My 12 year old son, battles me in every way, but I feel like it is a small war instead of WWIII now.

They get a bonus of screen time before school if they get all their chores done. The whiteboard has all those chores. I hate them having screen time before school, but I like that I no longer am fighting with them to get their socks on.

This is a drastic improvement from a few months back.

[gantengx]

Ah we're pretty similar in that regard. Officially their screen time is 30min on weekdays (excluding the app usage and chess.com) so the app basically digitise that whiteboard + timer concept

Photo proof actually was my wife's idea. She wanted to verify the task quality when she wasn't at home - similar to your audit capability

I guess the 12year old battles will be coming for me next.. Not exactly looking forward to the puberty haha

[W0lfEagle]

Downvote me but: kids shouldn't have phones. No disrespect to the author and congratulations on the launch and all. I just find the entire concept completely dystopian. Like, play, enjoy your life kids! There's plenty of time for entirely unnecessary "tasks"/"work" later in life.

[stevekemp]

My child started walking to school, alone, at age seven. More importantly he'd start walking home from school in the afternoon a couple of hours before his parents were home.

Having a child be able to call you and say "I'm in the park", "I'm at my friends house", "Can I invite a friend over?" was very good for reassurance.

We still throw him out and say "Go to the park" on a weekend, safe in the knowledge that if we need to know where he is we can call and ask, or he can phone us to say he saw a friend and is going to their place, etc.

I don't love children having screen time, and we set a timer so he's not allowed unfettered access, but giving him a phone? Even a dumb phone? I think its a net positive.

[subpixel]

Parent, 100% agree. Even worse, approaching device access like a reward to be earned is a bad idea.

[p0w3n3d]

I think I'm heading to the place were you already are. I gave access to phones to my kids, and all the apps that monitor their time fail, when there is no will in them to stop. Also doing any task with the phone makes them navigate away (to instant messaging with their colleagues etc)

But on the other hand - the world is digital now. I have no idea how to make them learn good habits on finding things on the internet while not falling to the infinite well of doomscrolling etc.

[richrichardsson]

We seem to be the only family in my children's school who think under-13s should not have a smart phone. The places they range to are so close they don't even need a dumb phone.

I'm getting quite pissed at the school seemingly assuming every kid has a smart phone that they need to access things for school with.

[entropie]

My partner has severe ADHD since early childhood and while watching parts of the video I said to myself: That would probably help her a lot. She has big problems priorizing tasks that may depend on each other

[gantengx]

Thanks! Glad it resonates. The app is designed specifically for kids with a simplified UX and parent mode, so it might feel too basic for adults. However, the core concepts (ordered tasks, focus timer, photo completion) could work. Worth trying the trial to see if it fits :)

[explorigin]

So many parental opinions on here. Not every kid is the same. Trying to apply blanket parental strategies speaks of ignorance. I have neurodivergent kids and this could be great for them.

[gantengx]

Thanks for this. Our child psychologist recommended structured routines, and paper-based scheduling just didn't work for us hence the app

[shizcakes]

Suggestion for the site: it references “no navigation” a few times, but I am having a hard time understanding what that means. What kind of navigation is meant here? What are the boundaries of the navigation limits?

Various definitions of “navigation” I can think of: - no switching tasks in the app - some sort of phone-wide parental control - maps is disabled ;-)

[gantengx]

In this case, navigation means in-app navigation. When a task timer is running, kids can't switch to other tasks, go back to the main screen, or change profiles. They have to complete the current task first

The goal is to keep them focused on one thing at a time without the temptation to jump around :)

[RiverStone]

Congrats on the launch! I would have loved this kind of structure as a kid.

[gantengx]

Thanks!

[havaloc]

Frederick Taylor approves!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Winslow_Taylor

[d--b]

Eesh... This feels like a punch clock for kids...

I mean my kids have a hard time with routine management, but that's not going to make anything better unless you gamify the shit out of it.

Show them a counter of how well they're doing and reward them when they're done with some animated crap that's different every time, and maybe they'll use it for more than three days.

[ssgodderidge]

Congrats on the launch! A month of use in your own family is a win in its own right.

What’s been your sons’ reception of the app so far?

[gantengx]

Thanks! This was my wife's idea and I thought it's interesting but was skeptical at first. But after we started using it, it actually helped a lot! Much less whining/crying and a lot less stressful for my wife and I

So at least it works for my family, and just like you said, it's a huge win by itself :)

[jonapro]

I'd rather not include additional screen time for my kids. We have a printed sheet of paper on the fridge. If they don't do what they need to then they have a consequence (no TV, no screen, no desert, no playing w friends).

Not everything needs to be fun and games in life.

[conceptme]

this app kinda fits with the asian parents meme

[gantengx]

I am indeed an asian haha

[quantumgarbage]

nice, my kids are going to have so many fond memories of their childhood thanks to your app

[asdf0000]

I’m sorry but starting the video immediately with Chinese, piano, homework, and chess is so stereotypical that it gives off borderline racist vibes. To me it looks like a subtle joke about tiger parenting. If you want this to appeal to people outside your community you need to include activities that more diverse people engage with.

[HNLurker2]

If anyone can help make mobile games for android, or even iOS I want to make my game

I have the python code idea with 600+ lines but I need to make it into APK to share with my friends. Thanks

[mallowdram]

Shows a complete lack of understanding of how childrens' skills are developed.

Intelligence is built from various sequences.

1. Path integrations. The ability to test without supervision and coaching movements beyond the scope of eyesight, aided by landmarks, without the use of breadcrumbs or maps.

2. Short-cuts. The ability to use the above to create short-cuts in the unmapped and unsupervised, unaided paths.

3. Vicarious trial-and-error. The ability to learn both from mistakes and idiosyncratic choices that develop unique solutions.

And there are MANY others like this in the motor and cognitive mapping system built from sharp wave ripples.

This software is the equivalent of brainwashing experience into mechanical reproducibility. It's the latests tech horror show.

[entropie]

> Intelligence is built from various sequences.

This is not about intelligence or development of children skills, its about task completion.

Your comment sound pretty rude.