Readers Respond: How Do You Manage Time on the Computer?

The Internet is full of distractions. One can easily get stuck compulsively surfing the Internet, checking and rechecking emails and Facebook and Twitter, chatting with multiple people simultaneously, or becoming consumed in a video game not realizing the day has passed and you’ve gotten little done of what you need to get done.

How do you manage time when using the computer? Please share the strategies you use to limit the distractions that computer use can bring. If you are a parent, what strategies do you use to help your child manage computer time?

I use a sleep timer widget

I can set it for 15 mins, 30 mins, 45 mins and it will shut the computer off. It works. You just have to make sure you don't shut it off before the alarm shuts the computer off.

—carmie54

Eliminate internet until work is done

When I have to work on Microsoft Word, I disconnect the Internet until it's done. The Internet is full of distractions.

—Guest Samy

My tips for limiting my own internet use

I have yet to find a foolproof technique to limit my computer time, especially if I have made the mistake of getting on just before bed. Here, however, is a list of things that work for me to a limited extent: *a wristwatch alarm (which unfortunately can be turned off), *Outlook alarm (which has a snooze - better - but you have to remember to turn on the Outlook!), *Only getting online when there is a limited time in which to do so and I HAVE to get off, *sticking a post-it note in the corner of the screen, *keeping the computer at the far end of the house from my bedroom, *never turning it on till at least midmorning, *trying to have it turned off by 8pm, reminding myself that there are other ways to relax and that I will not miss any life-threatening information if I don't check my email and Facebook page, *giving myself an entirely internet-free (and telephone-free!) day from time to time. I'd love any good suggestions for how to break one's own hyperfocus on FB & nytimes.com!

—Guest Sarah

Computer Usage :)

I use the TV as a guide and so when a 30 min shows is over, so is the usage on a school night. On weekends I go by an hour show as a treat depending on behavior. I also keep watch for signs of strain and behavior changes and if they seem to frustrate, it is time to get off no matter how much time they have left. I reward compliance with my rewards and make usage of the computer as a positive experience. I also monitor and guide and restrict free surfing, instead I find the site and add it to our favorites. :)

—Guest Miranda

How Do You Manage Time on the Computer?

This is a huge question that really speaks to the source of the problem. ADHD is a deficit of interest and stimulation; the greater the interest with a subject, the greater the ability to pay attention. This can often lead to a hyper focus that can be difficult to transition away from a computer screen. I find that with both adults and kids having two or three prompts, every fifteen minutes for a 45 minute transition period, with visual pop ups & voice message or even someone touching one’s back facilitates the ability of the individual with ADHD to be able to pause & recalibrate their brains to shift into another task or situation. What often happens, someone is abruptly asked to shift their attention from one focus of interest into another that may not be as interesting. This is very difficult for an individual with ADHD and often leads to frustration for everyone. Allow for transition time by working with the person who has ADHD. Ask them what would help rather than assuming.

—Guest David Giwerc

Where's the Mouse?

I hide the keyboard /mouse until the homework is done or chores. She tries to find the hidden items. I support her with saying that I need the help & not having the distraction of getting on the computer makes it easier for her to get these things done. Being patient and calm is my goal for getting through these times and I hope that she will learn to follow suit in dealing with her frustrations over the control of the computer.

—Guest jodygawboy

"Parental controls"

Both Mac's and PC's can get a feature that controls time in/out or # of hours a computer is on. It's called "Parental Controls". This can be googled to find out how to get it. It comes with every recent Mac. You can set the computer to go off at say 9PM on weekdays & 10 on weekends. Or for say, 2 hours on weekdays, 3 on weekends. During use, on the Mac for example, the computer announces via a pop-up 15 minutes left, then again pops-up with a countdown the last few minutes. After a few loud "aaws!" and possible small meltdowns, my child gets used to it. Although it is hard to take, my child seems to appreciate that now she can go to bed!

—jodygawboy