Lock Tasks prevents a task from being marked complete after its due time. This helps families keep time-sensitive responsibilities clear and teaches kids that deadlines matter.

Use Lock Tasks only when the due time is important and the expectation has been explained clearly.

Quick Start

1. Choose one simple task.
2. Check the owner, timing, and expected result.
3. Save or complete the task.
4. Review what happened before adding more.

Why this helps

Clear tasks can reduce repeated reminders and give children a better chance to follow through.

When to use Lock Tasks

Lock Tasks can help with:

• Morning routine tasks
• Tasks that must happen before school
• Feeding pets at a specific time
• Tasks that affect someone else’s schedule
• Responsibilities that lose value if done late

How it works

When Lock Tasks is turned on, a task that is not completed by its due time may become locked. The child may not be able to mark it complete late without parent involvement.

This creates a clear boundary around time-sensitive tasks.

Good to know

Lock Tasks is most useful when paired with reminders. Kids should have a fair chance to complete the task before the deadline.

Avoid using locked tasks for every task. Some tasks are better handled with flexibility, rescheduling, or a parent conversation.

Family Example

Choose one time-sensitive task, like “pack backpack before school.” Add a due time, turn on reminders, and only then consider Lock Tasks.

Good to Know

• Start with the smallest version that solves the problem.
• Change one setting at a time so you can see what helped.
• Missed days are information, not proof that your family failed.
• Open Help in the IAFT app and send a message if something does not work as expected.

Best First Action

Choose one time-sensitive task, like “pack backpack before school.” Add a due time, turn on reminders, and only then consider Lock Tasks.

Related Articles

• How Late Penalties Work
• How Advanced Task Schedules Work
• How Tasks Work in IAFT
• How to Assign a Task Clearly