I'm Spencer and recently built CheckYourList to help with my ADHD.
The app lets you create repeatable checklists. It's great for packing lists, daily routines, cleaning lists and things that you need to take with you constantly. The reason it is different to apps like Apple reminders is once you complete a checklist you can uncheck every item so it is ready to go next time.
I built the app because I found myself forgetting things more and more after the birth of my son. For example, dropping him at daycare and then going to the gym, required so many things. I felt overwhelmed and would take ages to leave the house as I searched around looking for what I needed. I wanted a solution, I built this app to help.
The app is available on iOS and WatchOS and syncs between the two with all the data in iCloud (I never see the data).
I'm constantly iterating the app, I am currently working on the ability to keep a history of checklists you have completed so you can check you did things (like taking medication every morning). If anyone has any ideas for features they would like to see let me know :)
I'm mainly a web developer, I've put a lot of work in my spare time over the last six months learning iOS development and swift. The app is built in SwiftUI, which coming from javascript the syntax was quite comfortable, although the language does have some very big differences.
The most difficult thing was learning where SwiftUI would not work and how to drop down to UIKit where needed. Things like how to focus a text field programmatically are missing in SwiftUI (coming in iOS15).
A big thank you to Paul Hudson at hackingwithswift.com as without his HWS+ videos I don't think I could have built a production ready app as most tutorials don't cover production scenarios and apples documentation is truely terrible. His information on core data was invaluable.
Echo what others say: nice interface, and you found something useful in a very crowded space.
The only feature I would add is: shareable, community lists. I’d like to know the standard list everyone else has voted on to do taxes, register a car in a state, or whatever else. (Diligence a company?)
I feel like I’m missing out on the wisdom of others in how to do some things.
Shared lists with your significant other, roommate, etc, would be very helpful. Groups in general (work, family, volunteer responsibilities) would be super useful.
Not to discount this app, but Trello is pretty nice here. My wife and I have several boards shared between us. It's especially cool to be at home and add a few things to the grocery board, then the other checks their phone and grabs the things while they were already out.
I recently changed my opinion on todo list type projects. I previously thought it was a crowded place and a solved problem, not worth building yet another. But a todo list is such a powerful tool and has so many different use cases that each new variation can focus on a different niche and brings new value.
Typing one-handed since I have my 4-day-old newborn napping in my arms now as her mom gets some rest.
Even before having her, I have found it difficult to find a balance between high level to do lists (missing details), and more detailed checklists (that are harder to manage).
Keeping the simple repeatable stuff separate should make it easier to offload that cognition from my brain so I can focus on the stuff I NEED to think about.
Quick feedback: this is an interface paradigm that I haven't thought of before (and haven't stumbled upon, if it exists in other apps). Immediately recognized how useful it is and I've already set up a few checklists.
And the UI itself is simple and to the point without any BS (probably because you're independent and don't need to hit OKRs), and matches iOS so it was easy to jump into and get started.
This is excellent work! I've currently got all my reusable checklists in Remember the Milk, but they get lost in there among all my other hundreds of todos.
I'm always surprised how few todo apps seem to target reusable lists, it's definitely an overlooked niche. Back in the Palm Pilot and early iOS days, SplashData's SplashShopper app was fantastic at this, but they don't seem to be able to keep up with modern application development update/release cycles and it's slowly become unusable over time.
Anyway- you asked for feature requests.
1. Consider making lists organizable in some way -- make them nestable or categorizeable. Like, my travel checklist in RTM consists of multiple sub-lists: clothing, electronics, toiletries, medical, etc. Splash Shopper does this with a sortable category on each item.
2. Consider adding prepopulated lists, particularly for things like groceries where the list can have lots of common items, will likely be long, and building it from scratch may feel daunting.
3. Consider having separate views for all the items on the list vs. everything that currently needs checking off. Like, when I travel or go grocery shopping, I may not need everything on the whole list. Let me build a list from a bank of all the items in the list rather than forcing me to uncheck everything in order to reuse the list and then prune the stuff that I don't need on the list for this particular trip.
That's amazing! I had the exact same idea, and just last week or so started picking up Kotlin to implement it. I've been using Tasker with AutoWear for a makeshift version of this and it _works_, but is obviously not ideal (bits of code everywhere, bad UI).
Another thing I thought of was to keep track of the time spent in each subtask and have the watch vibrate to remind you to focus if you take more than a couple of standard deviations to finish a given step.
I'd love to use yours. Unfortunately as I'm an Android guy I'll have to build it myself still :)
I have feedback on the name of the app. Since it’s spelled without spaces, as “CheckYourList”, it doesn’t show up in search results when searching for “check your list”.
This looks amazing. I spent a lot of time searching for something exactly like this earlier this year, but eventually gave up. I set up a Shortcuts automation to do something similar: I have a few lists in Apple Reminders that I use as repeatable checklists, and every night the shortcut runs and just unchecks all the items. It works, and has really improved my life, but it has a few very annoying limitations. So I’m really looking forward to trying this, thanks.
Edit: tried it, it looks great, only one issue for me is the dialog that automatically pops up when the last item is checked. If you could add a way to completely turn that feature off then I would pay for this in a heartbeat. It might seem a tiny thing but that automatic popup would make it impossible for me to use this app, with my kind of ADHD. Also, there doesn’t seem to be a way to edit an item once created. Otherwise it looks great.
Sounds like you went through the same process I did as well :) I was surprised to find a lack of apps that have repeatable checklists.
I did something similar to you with google forms. I had a shortcut set up to launch a google form to go through. Smart idea with using a shortcut the uncheck the items!
Let me know how you go with the app :) Especially if it is missing anything you think you need.
I think thats the problem. There are a lot of apps that are almost there but not quite specific enough to this problem. Ones i've found have been frustrating to use.
Just saw your edit. Is it because you need the list to stay checked so you can make sure you have completed it before day end? This behaviour is one of the challenges I need to handle. I was planning on having some settings available around how the checklists uncheck, like you could have automatic daily unchecked set on some checklists but not others. For editing the items, at the moment you need to delete and re-add, however I have an updated version coming within the next few days with with the ability to edit the items. I just need to finish testing it before I make it live.
I'm heading offline soon, but if you drop me an email to help@checkyourlist.app I'm happy to build you a version with it disabled that is also fully unlocked.
I just recently released my first iOS app written in SwiftUI and HackingWithSwift was such a lifesaver. Glad to see others find it as valuable as I did.
Great job on this app. My son has ADHD and struggles mightily with repeating tasks each day. Downloading it on his iPad to see if it helps!
Its definitely the best resource out there! Just a heads up re iPad, some people have been reporting issues with the iPad version. I'll be working on the iPad compatibility soon to ensure it all works.
My name is also Spencer and have been diagnosed the same . This is a great niche app. Any app I've used for todo lists couldn't get this right so I'm glad to see it. The one feedback is a configurable task max limit. My time is very valuable so I have to limit what todo to the most valuable tasks.
Hi - can you say more about how you’re keeping data secure and encrypted and such? Checklists can include some very personal information so I think having a strong security and privacy practice can help with adoption since it is hard to trust a random new app versus built in apps.
Hi! Basically the data is stored in iCloud in the same way your Apple reminders and notes are. I never have access to the data as it is stored on your local device and Apples server.
So in terms of security and privacy, your essentially trusting Apple itself.
This is not the best take on this, as that means no crash reporting and no metrics.
I think people need to realize 99% of indie devs aren’t doing anything nefarious with anonymous crash and client user data and just want to deliver a better product to you, their users.
This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you so much.
I've recently discovered together with my psychologist that I am "suffering" of something along the lines of ADHD. This includes selective memory (only remember what I focus on remembering), missing social cues and feeling overwhelmed if I have to suddenly do something I did not expect.
I've just started my journey in figuring out how I can live my best life, so I hope this way of creating repeatable checklists can help me on the way.
I find these tools work great until you "cave" and ignore it.
Like I had a reminder app, worked great for 2 weeks until I ignored it one day. Then it became easy to ignore.
I find this true for every brain hack I've found. It works until my brain realizes it doesn't need to listen.
I don't want to use drugs for ADHD. Especially after seeing my uncle ruin his life over the course of a decade. Productive, excelled, drug addiction, stagnation, collapse. I'm glad he drunkenly told me to stay off it.
I had a teenage diagnosis. I went off it because of the same drunken-misinformation and stigma. 5 year dark age. Went back on it, I was suddenly MUCH more able to build the SLEEP, DIET, EXERCISE loop I need. Going back on my meds, after educating myself properly about them, was one of the best decisions of my life.
ADHD prescriptions are the first line of defense. This is simply a fact of medical science. Executive Function disparity is the result of a chemical imbalance. Receptors for dopamine and Norepinephrine in the ADHD brain are oversized, which ADHD medications correct.
I was spreading misinformation about the "drugs", when truly they are the proper accommodation and treatment. They are not "meth", they are a therapeutic dose which do not directly stimulate but rather correct a hormonal and neurological imbalance which I require to maintain my executive function and the Sleep, Diet and Exercise which all together healthy accommodate my needs.
Your self-determination is your own and I so I only ask that 1) Inform yourself, don't take your uncle's word on it. 2) I implore that you reconsider spreading the harmful idea that ADHD pills are bad, which can only make us ALL worse off.
Separate, but just as important: Drug User stigma is also terrible. The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is Connection. Healthy Bonds. (https://youtu.be/PY9DcIMGxMs)
Written with sincerity, and frankly, tears in my eyes. It's a topic I've got a lifetime of experience with, and we must break this cycle of stigma.
About that last sentence, drug use was probably a symptom and not the underlying cause. It seems more likely that he had some psychological issues that he didn't seek help for and tried to self-medicate with alcohol.
I've had an on-again-off-again relationship with Habitica. Having other party members really helps with motivation. However, I fell off once our party lead stepped back and quests stopped.
I did use it while ignoring the game part for a bit. It was still useful, but I did just end up forgetting it later.
Ex-Habitica user here. The accountability element broke me. I quit in shame when I couldn't keep up with my clan members without burning myself out from too little sleep and having too much on the list.
I hope the app can help :) If it helps, my experience with ADHD is its such a broad umbrella term that often crosses with other disorders. It's also something that everyone has varying degrees of. Focus on specifically what you need to improve, and don't worry about defining it. I think simply accepting something is overwhelming is often a big step in reducing it's impact on you.
Also take a look at “due”. It gives you the option to “snooze” task alerts. This is an extremely beneficial feature if you have memory/attention issues.
Kind of silly, but the association to ADHD makes me feel like I need to have the disorder to make the most use of this app.
Maybe pull back a bit on that part of the marketing? People who have ADHD know how valuable checklist apps are, just seems like you're needlessly narrowing your target market.
Yes, there’s a big marker for good checklists. My wife is a nurse and they need to use checklists when working g with patients in the OR and PACU, and since she uses them so much at work she now makes lists for everything at home. Something like this would be a good idea.
I find that having something on my screen while working is also useful. What I'm doing now is using something with a simple UI (like Notepad on Windows) and Power Tools to create a dedicated spot on my desktop space.
Whenever something comes to mind, I jot it down. Most important is that I write out the next thing that I want to be working on and then indented is the next step. I might create a section for each project where I'll place further steps which I thought of which I haven't arrived to yet. I still add my current items to the "Stream" section. Whenever I find myself drifting off, I have that log to get me back on track.
It's simple and it's one of the very few things I have tried which has "stuck" in the last few years.
Edit: I'm not sure I would call what I have as ADHD. I just have so much stuff going through my head that I "lose the thread" easily and forget what I was doing. I don't see how it could be any other way since I can't run multiple threads in my head. I find that the fix for me other than the log is to have the discipline to focus rather than allowing myself to go down rabbit trails for things which aren't on my list. I also find that for whatever reason, I can only do this in an office environment. I think the office creates structure which forces me to experience time differently. When I feel how scarce time is, then I'm not as likely to procrastinate.
Yes but do you have anything to remind me to check the checklist app?
Even better, some sort of checklist app aggregator app which goes through my various checklist apps that I forget to check? The same thing for note taking apps would be great too.
If you truly want something naggingly persistent, the Due app [1][2] is very full-featured and has an "auto snooze" feature that allows you to have a reminder send you a push notification e.g., every 10 minutes, indefinitely.
My phone currently has 19 alarms on it with things like "feed cat", "put dishes away", and "give child medicine". The difficult part is that I don't always get to do the thing when I have the alarm set: Kids get up later or eat lunch earlier, we are out running an errand, etc. I'll give this a try, thanks!
I've often done the same thing! My phone is often on do not disturb as well, so alarms are the only way to get on time reminders. My apple watch has helped as I can hit snooze quickly and a lot more easily.
Todo apps tend to get filled with so many things, so I've been using CheckYourList to keep track of things like you mentioned to keep them away from my overflowing todo inbox.
Yes. The reason I built an iOS app was it is the simplest way to get an app live, if the app gains traction I can definitely expand its availability in the future.
Problem with web apps is I often end up with decision fatigue over picking platforms ect. A native app I could just jump in and build.
First thing I did was check the privacy policy and then come here to talk about it.
Saw your other comment regarding the privacy policy needing a lot of rework and that’s it’s all local and I went back to download it.
I was fine trusting that comment.
—
Personally, I would not use this app if it needed an account or server.
I’m sorry. I don’t know you and the privacy policy things are too broad. I’m very conflicted now.
I don’t want all my data to sync some random server on an update because it went web. Will this happen? Will you make it optional? Third party trackers? I can accept crashes of course, but can you confirm that none of the data or what was being input is sent?
The reason I have iCloud is to sync apps so the data is available between all my devices.
Thankfully I don’t need medicines or a care routine, huh for someone that does, the personal data they’d be leaking is huge. If something happened to your servers, this can also liability issues too.
.
I’m sorry to bring this up and I get it’s a lot, but I really liked the idea and think it’d be helpful.
I’m just conflicted now between this, the privacy policy and the comment you made where it’s all local.
So I don't actually have a server behind the app at all, no account is needed besides your default iCloud account using apples core data to persist data offline on your device (you don't need to provide credentials as everything is managed by Apple and never goes to me.). I don't collect any crash data at all. I also won't be tracking anything in the app itself.
I'm going to add a section above the privacy policy with a bit of this info whilst I work on writing a better one.
I may build a web version in the future, however it will be opt in only if you have signed up via an iCloud method. I believe it is actually possible to use iCloud on the web, as apple do have a Javascript API, however I have not looked into this in detail.
I bet people as principled snd heavy with their convictions on privacy as the parent commentor is...is such a small portion of people that it won’t do too much to go over the top to accommodate them when you aren’t trying to do some crazy shenanigans any way.
The other problem with certain niches of people on Reddit, HN, etc, are that they don’t spend much money either. So they have lots of fringe requirements but scoff at paying $5 a month. Meanwhile, in the coworking community I run that has people from all sorts of backgrounds, they’re much different than HN or Reddit tech geek crowd. If something helps them. They’ll spend some money. They don’t despise subscriptions etc.
I am a single parent and I too have ADHD & found myself struggling with the same things, so I created a series of "morning routine" Alexa reminders for myself AND my son.
- wake up (dad + kid)
- make breakfast (dad)
- eat breakfast (kid)
- get dressed (kid)
- make lunch (dad)
- get in car (both) <––plays "Here We Go Again" by OK Go
The results have been AMAZING!!! Voice reminders FTW.
Before this, I was constantly running late. Constantly yelling at him to hurry. Constantly forgetting to make him lunch. It affected his school day negatively. The principal would call me in to tell us about behavior issues.
After implementing this Alexa-based voice reminder system, I started getting my son to school on time everyday with everything he needed. Actually, we had time to spare, so I would park and walk him to class. His school behavior improved dramatically, as did our relationship. Mornings were SO MUCH EASIER because instead of me having to remember and remind him, Alexa was reminding BOTH of us!
I also created an evening routine that caused major improvements in the regularity of his bedtime & bath. Highly recommend both!
I don't use too much voice apps much. Are you basically setting a reminder and at the time it just announces the reminder? In which case I can definitely see how that could help!
That's awesome you've found ways to cope as a single parent with ADHD, that must be a serious challenge.
This could also be useful for packing lists. I often want to make sure that I packed everything for different scenarios, but without marking items as permanently done
The concept looks similar to that of the various "streaks" apps. The idea of these apps is, that you create a repeating task and check it off regularly. If you do, you keep your streak, if you fail, you lose it and have to start again.
The idea of just repeating tasks - minus streaks - is something I see for the first time here. I personally find the motivation to extend a streak very useful, but maybe the positive reward from ticking off a task is enough. Maybe streaks are too heavyweight, and a more minimalist approach also meets the purpose? I think I might give Spencer's app a try.
That much is true, and I find they can build up a lot of psychological pressure if you take them seriously. They are certainly not suitable for everyone and in every situation.
I really like checklists. If you need convincing, read Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande. They let you focus on the decisions rather than remembering the steps.
That book was one of the things that started me looking for an app to let me make recurring checklists :) I still to do this day can't believe I finished a book on checklists!
An alternative I have been using is Microsoft Todo with recurring tasks and subtasks. I create tasks like "prepare weekday" or "prepare camping trip", and subtasks like "prepare kid's lunchbox, prepare kids clothes, etc". Everytime I tick the main task it resets the list and subtasks status
Looks really nice - would definitely usean Android version
Also note that it is not just ADHD that needs checklists. Anything that has more than a few steps and/or is critical, or is done when tired. One of the major steps towards making flying safe was instituting pre-flight checklists. Surgery teams now keep lists of every item used to avoid leaving something in the patient. The US Army did studies on what kind of mental facilities degrade with lack of sleep, and they found that strategic judgment was quite intact, but failures happened due to forgetting the little things, like filling canteens or fuel before going into the field - total checklist items. Heck, last night leaving the shop late, I remembered to reset the HVAC system, but forgot to grab my water container on the way home.
So, if you can keep it streamlined, I think you are onto something.
thanks for building this. I'll try it out - I identify quite a lot with your description/motivation of why you build this.
I noticed one (small) problem with the website: The newsletter signup button does not work. It looks like you are missing the gatsby-plugin-mailchimp (based on the console error).
Aww man, I've got an Android phone. Anyone know of any alternatives for Android? I'm currently using TickTick, but daily or activity based repeatable tasks isn't its focus. I was only able to get what I need because of its decently powerful filter.
Hopefully I'll make an Android version in the future, or a web app.
I used TickTick alot for this previously, I used to check the items complete then when I wanted to go through the list again I would just uncheck them and then the next day it would be checking them if that makes sense.
Really cool and I always love these types of apps. My personal favorite is TickTick right now. It is basically cross platform on all OS's, save for Linux (but you can use a browser extension too so it works). The downside it's account based so in order to sync you must have an account.
Also there are some cool features that are only accessible if you become a subscriber. On Android alone, the widgets they've made are spectacular. You can hit a checkbox and it disappears, color toward priority, and organize by date due. Mac has a similar popup as well which is very nice. Windows you need to open the app but it can also be in the overflow panel.
It is the best cross platform TODO software I've found.
I’m excited to try this! First feedback after installing: I don’t think the app integrates properly with iOS “dark mode” theme; I am finding some text entry boxes show a white text on white background, so I can’t effectively use the app yet.
Hi! Thanks for letting me know you are having a problem. I'm unable to replicate any problems with dark mode in some tests I am doing. Can you let me know what device you are using and where the text is?
I'm on an iphone 12 mini, have the same issue (I emailed you some screenshots before seeing this comment in the HN post, but it's the text box where I'm naming a new checklist and also the text entry when I'm adding items to an existing checklist).
As a workaround I created some automations in Shortcuts to turn light mode on when I open the app and turn it back to dark when I close it.
99.9% sure that I did, but I had to transcribe the address by hand since I couldn't long-press to copy it like I expected. Tapping the email address in the app opens Mail.app, which I've never bothered to set up in 6 years of iphone usage.
Amazingly in SwiftUI there still is no way to open a different email app without writing a lot of code as a workaround. I'll see if I can change it to be long-pressable in the meantime.
My device is an iPhone 6S Plus. I’m on iOS 14.4.2. I see “white on white” text in my first text entry box to create a new checklist, and also when viewing the items inside a checklist. The items in a checklist become visible as white text upon gray background only after I mark those items “completed” (ie strikethrough).
I've been able to replicate the issue now, basically, if you have dark mode on and increased contrast on under "Accessibility" > "display and text size" you end up with white text on white backgrounds. A temporary fix would be disabling increased contrast.
I'm going to be making an update now that will allow the app to support increased contrast. It will be live as soon as Apple approve it.
Spencer
I’m having the same problem. Latest iOS, iPhone 11pro, dark mode, and white text on white background in the little white bubble right above the keyboard to enter a list name or a list item. Also, the list items themselves are white on white.
I've been able to replicate the issue now, basically, if you have dark mode on and increased contrast on under "Accessibility" > "display and text size" you end up with white text on white backgrounds. A temporary fix would be disabling increased contrast.
I'm going to be making an update now that will allow the app to support increased contrast. It will be live as soon as Apple approve it.
Spencer
On iOS, I have a repeating reminder. However, reminder notification in iOS is very non-intrusive and very easy to miss or dismiss.
I have a shortcut that runs everyday at bedtime and looks for any due reminders in a specific list. If it finds any, it will enable a dedicated alarm (alarm with a specific name, time and sound I have setup but disabled by default).
Alarms need more attention and action to dismiss than reminder notification and this has been working well for me so far.
I am trying to use any/all building blocks that come bundled on my phone and try not to install too many apps. Hence, this is just an alternative and not an attempt to downplay or trivialize the app in topic.
Interesting idea with the auto creating of an alarm based on a reminder. That solves a different problem for me - settings reminders as alarms that will go off regardless of do not disturb being on.
Thank you, Spencer. I’ve installed this and am looking forward to trying it. One thing I’ve found is that many other “repeating task” apps just create a copy of the new task each day. If I’m not diligent about it, I get four “Work out” tasks three of which have expired.
I’m looking forward to seeing how your app handles this. Looks like it’s just the thing I need to manage my routine.
Edit: Hmm, I need the checklist to stay checked for the day and then clear on some cadence automatically.
I don’t want it immediately unchecked because that ruins my comfort at having things checked off.
I don’t want it to stay checked because if I have to uncheck it myself the next day that’s not going to happen.
So what you need is an option to have checklists that auto uncheck? I'm currently planning on having a settings that is individual to each Checklist you can set that determines this behaviour :)
Splendid. Since these are early days, is there a mailing list I can subscribe to for feature change logs so I know when I can start using it?
Secondarily, is there a reason I can’t just buy this app? I don’t like this buy and then unlock business. The App Store manages the fact that the app is bought. This unlock thing makes it feel fragile.
I love the idea of this and echo the comments on good UI, but would need to see more convenience for it to be worth switching from my existing system.
I currently use Workflowy for this, which has web/native desktop apps for easily typing out lists that can be completed on the phone like this, crossing them off in the same way. Workflowy don't have an apple watch app yet though so you have an advantage there.
Also I would change the "crossing out" action to work on clicking anywhere on the row, whereas now it only works on the radio button or label. That's a big pain for right handed people with one-word items.
I like the idea of this. I also using organizational tooling to deal with ADHD. The big thing that's missing from this for me is being able to make sub lists. I get it though, there's beauty in the simplicity of what you built.
Here's what I'm doing. Org-mode on desktop, and Organice on my mobile. I have Organice sync to dropbox. On the desktop, I have a few tiny rclone scripts that I can call from emacs to sync to dropbox. It's probably more complex than it needs to be, but it works.
I used to use org-mode, loved the flexibility and power of it. Which unfortunately for me was its downfall as well as I spent too much time messing around with it.
For sublists, are you referring to have like a group of Checklists or do you mean an item inside a checklist having sublists?
Very nice app! I had just started working on my own implementation of a similar app, so I'm glad I don't have to do that anymore!
One thing I notice is that when using VoiceOver to read out elements on the screen, there don't seem to be any labels on routine items, so a screen reader user wouldn't know what was on their checklist, and the labels on the big blue + icons in the lower right don't say what they do.
Not sure if thats the place to report bugs, but the app is unusable for me - the lists shows white text on white background. All input boxes do not show the text as well (due to same fg/bg colors). Is it because I use dark mode?
I had quite a few reports of this issue. Dark mode on it's own works, however if you also have Increase Contrast (Under accessibility > Display & Text size on as well it causes this issue. I just submitted an update to Apple 30 minutes ago that will fix this issue once they approve it (Usually within around 12 hours or so) :)
How about tying this in with the HealthKit to log when you've taken the medication.
The thing is after a while I get fed up of my live being lived through ticking off boxes in a checklist, its OK for things on a weekly and above basis, but I don't like it for a daily reminder.
As a person with ADD: this is a great idea. One thought: it would be cool if it could show the next item on your checklist on your phone's lock screen (or as a notification) to keep you focused on it.
At the moment I haven't done anything around notifications yet which I will explore soon. I have to be careful not to assume what a persons checklist is for though, as I want to be careful that notifications are always wanted.
What is the reason it requires iOS 14.1 or later? I run an old version for iOS and would love this. I make repeatable checklists for everything and I feel like this could really help me out.
It's basically the overhead of testing as an indie developer as well as using SwiftUI which is missing a lot of important functionality pre iOS 14. Supporting iOS 13 would unfortunately triple the amount of code I need to write.
I love the concept; I've already created some lists of things I'd be embarrassed to show non-ADHD folks. Feature request: Rename existing lists and list items.
Awesome! For this exact purpose I’m currently using Apple’s reminder with an Apple Watch. Your app looks like a good alternative. A Windows version would also be great ;)
Pretty cool. It doesn't seem to function as intended on my iPad Air 3rd gen however- several of the buttons are unresponsive and created tasks are stuck at 0/0.
Thanks for letting me know. I have not done any testing on iPads yet. I actually didn't mean to allow the app to be installed on iPads yet as I haven't had time to work on compatibility. I'll have to check my config files. I'll support iPads correctly soon :)
Most todo apps don't really cater to the idea of a reusable list. Items effectively disappear once checked off, unless they're repeatable, in which case a new task is generated at the frequency you specify. There are lists of things that need doing repeatedly but not necessarily on a strict repeating schedule. Packing for travel and/or camping is a typical use case, as is a grocery list. You want a reusable prepopulated list of things you might need for any given trip.
The main thing is the lists are repeatable. After completing a list you can uncheck the whole list. It's set up for routine checklists/daily tasks that you do over again. Or packing lists you need to repeat.
This sounds frustrating, but I'm a bit concerned how hostile you seem towards a foster child.
I think you're going to need to enlist the help of some psychiatrists, councillors, doctors, etc. that particularly specialize in childhood development. I think trying to get a kid with severe ADHD to "shut the hell up" is not the right approach and could have some very negative consequences in terms of their development and could even backfire in terms of acquiring the social skills you wish for them to have.
Yes they are prescribed medicine and have weekly counseling from a counselor. We limit the medication for school and special events as it’s not perfect, has side effects, and they can become tolerant. The counseling is for prior trauma from neglect not for ADHD.
Hey, that sounds rough, very rough. It's not his fault. It's not your fault either.
Speaking from experience myself, it's not that he purposely wants to speak its just that he can't not talk. Like people in a wheelchair would like to stand and walk but can't, or only very short distances.
I can recommend to great resources. One is a YouTube series by Russel Barkley [1]
The other are the books and podcast by Dr Hallowell [2]
Reading Superparenting for ADHD by Hallowell when trying to understand my son was the first clue that I also might have ADHD. Highly recommend this book or audiobook.
I never stated my reaction. People are clearly hyper sensitive about a phrase I used. Yes, as a well intended parent, I am looking for guidance to improve a child.
One thing you could try if you haven't yet is share your issue with your son and try negotiating a set of rules that could be okay for both of you.
There are two prerequisites. First, you did not mention how old he is but I can only hope he is older than six-seven years. A younger child has close to no chance understanding that you might see the world differently than him.
After five years, children's cognitive capabilities typically reach a maturity level that allows them to understand false beliefs, aka the concept that person X could experience the world differently than person Y (if you are interested in developmental psychology, look for the "sally-anne test"). Without this cognitive capability, your only option is to be patient, give him as much love as you can, and take time for you when you feel you are becoming overwhelmed.
The second prerequisite is to "reach" your son at a moment he can mentally ingest this information and is not solely focused on satisfying his needs. Typically, you should not try entering this negotiation during or right after a "talkative episode." Something in the likes of: "Daddy needs to have a conversation with you, but you will need to sit a listen to what I say for some time. I understand you have many questions to ask so I will let you tell me when it is a good time to have this discussion."
When you have this discussion, I would recommend using a negotiated problem solving scheme:
1. "I would like to share something I feel about us, are you okay with that?"
2. "When you do X, I feel Y and Z. It is doing that and this, and it is very difficult for me. Sometimes this makes me do X and Y, and I don't like to do this and I am also quite sure you don't like when I do that. Do you agree? Do you feel these moments?"
3. "I would like us to find a set of rules we can follow to avoid overwhelming each other. I don't want you to stop asking me questions at all, this is not what I am asking. I love you very much and sometimes I am worried that when I am tired or stressed I could not give you all my attention. Do you have any ideas how we could do that together?"
4. "How should I let you know I need some recharge myself?"
5. "How should you let me know you feel the need to share things with me?"
etc.
Of course, chances that this will work the first time are close to zero, so adapt your hopes. You are the adult, the responsibility falls upon you to find the patience and dedication to bring you both to a better place. Also, aim low during your negotiation: remember that your objective is to make things better, not perfect, and advancing one step is always better than nothing.
Like someone recommended above, your son might need professional help but don't underestimate the fact that you need help, too and probably more than he needs help. A child usually needs parents to show him/her unconditional love and to show up, not much more. It is very likely that you are being challenged to find resources deep in yourself that you may not know how to reach. If you are not feeling actively supported by your closer ones (e.g. spouse, friends), I would advise seeking support from a professional or a local support group. You need to be at your 100% when you are with your son and it is your responsibility to take the necessary steps to achieve this state of mind.
Anyway, I root for you and the simple fact that you shared your experience already shows you are doing the extra mile to find answers. I am convinced you will find them, good luck :)
Yes, they are years older than 7. No, self awareness has not kicked in yet. Their maturity is years behind, which could be due to the neglect from the prior living situation.
I need to focus more on the guidance you suggest. We do try these communication tools but it’s completely hit or miss if any of it sinks in even with repetition.
Coping with a hyperactive child can be tough, but foremost you need to do your best to understand them and meet their needs. And “shutting them the hell up” is working against that. Truly, the best route here is probably to find another caretaker who is willing to take the time to help this child…
Anecdotally, I had similar troubles as a kid and after a battery of evaluations they found I had slightly diminished verbal language processing (despite passing common tonal audio tests just fine). Understanding this equipped the adults in my life to better accommodate my needs, and in turn, I’m sure, mitigate the hassle I made for them.
> And “shutting them the hell up” is working against that.
It’s fewer words than saying helping to foster increased listening and learning capabilities, but is effectively the same thing. As a parent you want to have deeper and meaningful conversations that allow for instruction, guidance, and mentoring. These things cannot happen if there is a clinical mental illness in the way.
I read that and gave you the benefit of the doubt that brevity was your intent more than expressing frustration:) I can imagine how difficult it must be to want to help someone who can’t help themselves but has nobody else…
While I have many ideas about how we got through my childhood, I think any meaningful plan will have to suit your kid so general suggestions are probably hit or miss at best. This is why I suggested a caretaker but I guess I really meant “a specialist”.
I’ll just say this, to offer some insight… ADHD is not just losing track of the external world- it is a loss of your own internal world. It’s like someone is always tugging your instruction pointer away from your stack. This is suffering.
> As a parent you want to have deeper and meaningful conversations that allow for instruction, guidance, and mentoring. These things cannot happen if there is a clinical mental illness in the way.
If we are talking about ADHD, this is bullshit.
As someone that wasn’t medicated as a kid and had a lot of meaningful conversations, had mentors, learnt, went to college, built a career, screw your attitude.
If we are talking of that extreme of a case, that’s why medication is there.
But back to the original part, to me it just sounds like you also need to learn how to work with them.
If he isn't on medication, it is something that would calm him down. I know as an adult with ADHD I can be very intense sometimes, agitated and impatient. However I also have my own strategies to manage this, for example exercising each morning has a big impact. If he hasn't seen a doctor about this, get him there.
I am concerned about reliance on medication. They are prescribed medication but medication has side effects and they can become tolerant. I don’t want them to become reliant on medication especially if doing so could cause to miss out on important moments.
How much continuous listening in hours of time? That is a serious question. This is not a conversation with back and forth. It is a continuous unending stream of vocals. At what point should the child be expected to listen?
One branch of my inlaws talk to each other in continuous stream of consciousness literally all day long and they are perfectly happy. I’d want to jump off a bridge after a day or so of having to listen to that. But that’s on me…
As someone who was on the other side of that growing up, the worst thing you can do is see them as you seem to. I promise they don't mean to do this. They're a child. They are literally doing the best their knowledge and experience has prepared them to do with something their brain is doing to them that they don't understand and didn't ask for, and having adults take the frustration out on them will only make it worse. You might think you don't let it come through in your interactions, but I guarantee they'll pick up on it if you don't change your attitude.
I don't mean to ask the obvious question, but have you taken them to the doctor? It's very well possible that they literally can't "shut the hell up". You are frustrated, but they need your empathy.
If you have not taken them to a doctor (psychiatrist more specifically) please seriously consider doing so. My 14 year old adopted brother is going through similar issues and is embarrassed and afraid to take the steps he needs to take. I have to explain to him that if I could have this helped when I was 14 instead of 34...I sure as hell would have.
Yes they are prescribed medicine and have weekly counseling from a counselor. We limit the medication for school and special events as it’s not perfect, has side effects, and they can become tolerant. The counseling is for prior trauma from neglect not for ADHD.
It seems your concern, while well intended, is about the missing sensitivity and bluntness of a phrase.
The app looks great and would be a daily lifesaver for me if it wasn't for the privacy policy. The policy reads quite generic and lacks a section for GDPR compliance, which is a huge red flag for me personally.
The privacy policy needs a lot of work which I hope to do soon. Everything in the app is through iCloud managed by Apple. I don't actually see or use any data at all, there is no sign up process, I don't capture email ect. Its akin to using Apple notes on your iPhone. If you delete your iCloud data it deletes all the data. I hope that helps in the meantime?
Thanks for the prompt reply and yes, that helps a lot. I think if you can put the info into the privacy policy or somewhere on the website, it will make many people more comfortable using the app. Kudos on the great work.
I'm Spencer and recently built CheckYourList to help with my ADHD.
The app lets you create repeatable checklists. It's great for packing lists, daily routines, cleaning lists and things that you need to take with you constantly. The reason it is different to apps like Apple reminders is once you complete a checklist you can uncheck every item so it is ready to go next time.
I built the app because I found myself forgetting things more and more after the birth of my son. For example, dropping him at daycare and then going to the gym, required so many things. I felt overwhelmed and would take ages to leave the house as I searched around looking for what I needed. I wanted a solution, I built this app to help.
The app is available on iOS and WatchOS and syncs between the two with all the data in iCloud (I never see the data).
I'm constantly iterating the app, I am currently working on the ability to keep a history of checklists you have completed so you can check you did things (like taking medication every morning). If anyone has any ideas for features they would like to see let me know :)
I'm mainly a web developer, I've put a lot of work in my spare time over the last six months learning iOS development and swift. The app is built in SwiftUI, which coming from javascript the syntax was quite comfortable, although the language does have some very big differences.
The most difficult thing was learning where SwiftUI would not work and how to drop down to UIKit where needed. Things like how to focus a text field programmatically are missing in SwiftUI (coming in iOS15).
A big thank you to Paul Hudson at hackingwithswift.com as without his HWS+ videos I don't think I could have built a production ready app as most tutorials don't cover production scenarios and apples documentation is truely terrible. His information on core data was invaluable.
You can see the app in the app store here: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/checkyourlist/id1571623264