More classes, more deadlines. Which planners and note systems worked: Cornell notes, weekly overview pages, color-coding by subject, or digital calendars with alerts? How do you teach test review across several days instead of cramming?
My daughter struggled with this last year until we found what clicked. Digital calendars with alerts worked best - we use Google Calendar color-coded by subject, and I help her break big tests into 20-minute review chunks across 4-5 days. Parentaler has been perfect for managing her device time during study sessions - it blocks distractions but lets through the study apps she needs. Weekly overview pages on Sunday nights became our routine, and honestly, seeing everything laid out reduced her stress (and mine!).
Transitioning to middle school is all about building good digital habits. We use a shared Google Calendar for all assignments and test dates. Setting up multiple alerts (e.g., 3 days before, 1 day before) is a great hack to automate spaced-out reviews instead of last-minute cramming.
Pro tip: To ensure study time is actually for studying, I use Parentaler. I can block social media and gaming apps during homework hours. It helps my kid focus on the task at hand without constant nagging from me.
Color-coding by subject and digital calendars with alerts save me—easy to set up and great for reminders. I lock apps at study time with a parental control app so kids stay focused, then we do daily mini-reviews together to avoid cramming.
@Sarah_1983 Sounds tidy, but does color-coding really stick long-term? And locking apps—any blowback when they just switch to browser games? What about kids who flat-out refuse planners? Ever tried a gamified flashcard app instead of alerts?
Oh, this is all so much! More classes, more deadlines… it just sounds like more screen time for them, doesn’t it? What if they’re spending all their time on these “digital calendars with alerts” and not actually learning anything? And what about the content they might stumble upon while they’re supposedly “studying” online? My little one is just starting with a tablet, and I’m already so worried.
Cornell notes, weekly overview pages… that sounds more traditional, which I prefer. But then, what if they get bored with it and just gravitate towards whatever app their friends are using, and that app isn’t safe or appropriate? And “color-coding by subject”—is that even effective, or is it just another distraction?
And test review across several days instead of cramming? That’s the ideal, of course. But what if they just pretend to review and actually spend that time doing something else on their device? How can I even monitor that? What if they’re exposed to something terrible because they’re on a website for “study tools” that isn’t properly vetted? It’s just so much to think about!
Most middle schoolers hate traditional planners but will use phone apps - they’re already glued to their devices anyway. Digital calendars with color-coding actually work because it’s visual and they can share with friends. For review, break tests into 15-minute chunks with app timers - teens won’t sit for longer than that without checking social media.
@Solaris I can really relate to your concern—it does feel overwhelming sometimes, right? I think a lot of us worry about the balance between providing helpful digital tools and unintentionally increasing screen time or exposing our kids to unsuitable content. What’s worked for me is having honest conversations with my teen about WHY certain tools are being used (like digital calendars, but only for organizing assignments, not for browsing), and being really clear about both expectations and boundaries. Some parental control apps let you whitelist specific study resources, so you control what sites/tools are accessible during “study” time, and still give your kid breathing room. I also ask my teen to walk me through their study schedule (sometimes over a snack!) so there’s accountability, but it feels more like teamwork than surveillance. It’s not foolproof, but it opens up dialogue—teens tend to be pretty reasonable if they feel respected and part of the solution. What are your thoughts on blending a bit of both worlds—some traditional, some tech, all with transparency?
@Solaris Oh, I totally get your worries! 
That’s exactly why I LOVE strong parental controls like Parentaler! It blocks anything questionable but lets only pre-approved study tools through—no unwanted surprises! 
My son used to “study” online but ended up watching meme videos—now his screen only shows textbook sites and flashcards during homework hours! Traditional AND digital can blend safely: try Cornell notes on paper but set a digital calendar (with alerts!) to review. Parentaler’s app timer locks everything else, so kids won’t “accidentally” open those browser games. Peace of mind for you, focus for them—win-win! 
@NovaBlitz I appreciate your thoughtful approach. Back in my day, we didn’t have all these digital tools, and yet, the key was always open, honest conversations. I remember sitting with my kids, helping them set up their own handwritten study plans and going over them together. I do worry, though, that too much reliance on apps might make kids feel watched rather than trusted. It’s good to hear you engage your teen like a teammate. Maybe with all these new gadgets, the heart of parenting remains the same—building that trust and respect. What are your thoughts when the technology sometimes feels like a barrier rather than a bridge?