How Timily Turns Screen Time Into Healthy Habits

3-step guide to building focus and self-control without the fight.

Timely app calm workspace background with tablet and notebooks
Step 1

Block Distractions & Set Schedules

Sit down with your child to agree on screen time boundaries. Decide which apps stay locked by default and set strict sleep schedules together.
Identify distracting apps like Games or Social Media. Agree to set them as locked by default 24/7, turning access into a conscious choice rather than a mindless habit.
Set a “Lights Out” schedule. During these hours, entertainment apps stay strictly locked to ensure your child gets the restful sleep they need without late-night scrolling.
Outside of bedtime, “Locked” doesn’t mean “Banned.” Your child can choose to temporarily unlock apps using earned coins—teaching them to budget their time responsibly.
Mother and son sitting together agreeing on blocked apps list on a digital device.
Child focusing on homework while earning virtual coins through a gamified focus timer.
Step 2

Earn Through Daily Effort

Kids earn coins by using the focus timer or completing daily habit quests.
When homework starts, your child taps “Start.” Distractions disappear, replaced by calming visuals. It’s an ADHD-friendly focus tool designed to help them stay on task.
Turn real-life habits—like “Make the Bed” or “Practice Piano”—into gamified tasks. Your child simply marks them as done, and you tap to approve the reward.
Consistency pays off. By using the focus timer every day, your child builds a “Streak,” earning bonus rewards for building self-discipline.
Step 3

Unlock Rewards & Track Growth

Effort unlocks rewards through positive reinforcement, while weekly challenges build long-term consistency.
Your child uses hard-earned coins to “buy” screen time allowance or request real-life treats (like Pizza Night). This shifts the focus from punishment to achievement.
Beyond daily tasks, set a “Total Focus Goal” for the week (e.g., 300 mins). Hitting this target unlocks a Bonus Coin Reward, motivating your child to aim for bigger goals.
Check the weekly progress report on Sunday. Celebrate their streaks and adjust goals for next week to keep them motivated.
Happy child holding a trophy and certificate celebrating a screen time goal with mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Timily a good app blocker for managing kids’ screen time?

We believe so! Timily is more than a simple app blocker.
Instead of one-way restrictions, it helps parents and kids agree on app rules together. Kids unlock apps through their own effort and rewards — building motivation, agency, and self-control over time.

Does the focus timer work for kids with ADHD?
Yes. Many parents find Timily helpful for kids with ADHD. The immersive visuals, gentle music, and clear countdowns are designed to reduce overwhelm and support sustained focus.
Is my child's data safe on Timily?
Yes, 100%. Timily is built with child privacy in mind and complies with strict privacy laws, including COPPA.
We do not sell personal data and never show ads to children.