Time Management Tips and Tricks

Everyone at some point has wished for more than 24 hours in a day.  Making more efficient use of time is a learned skill that you can help teach your children.  Like any other skill, time management takes practice.  By showing children early on how to manage time, you help to instill a skill your child can use forever.  Habits you start now are the ones children will keep throughout their lives.  Following are some tips on how to establish efficient routines and reasonable schedules.

-          It is important to establish a daily routine at home.  Children learn what to expect from each day, and learn that there is a time for everything (eating, school work, play). 

-          Prepare for the morning rush in the hour before sleep.  Backpacks should be packed, clothes need to be chosen for the next day, etc.

-          It is recommended that children be given at least an hour to bathe, get dressed, eat breakfast, and brush their teeth before needing to be out the door.

-          No television an hour before bedtime.

-          Since it is easier to find something if that item has a home, everything in the house should have a designated place (lunch box, backpack, etc.).

-          Set up a monthly calendar listing birthdays and holidays.  Use the school district’s calendar to add school vacation days, testing dates, and other important events.  Allow your child(ren) to help fill out the calendar with test or quiz dates, due dates for projects, and fun activities.  Keeping a monthly calendar will help children plan and organize time more effectively.

-          By recognizing the actual amount of time necessary for schoolwork, chores, and fun activities, children gain an awareness of the passage of time and the importance of managing time.  Practice estimating time with daily activities such as family dinner, sports practice, and homework. 

-          Teach your child how to divide long term projects into manageable tasks.

-          Work from a ‘To Do’ list.  This will help your child prioritize tasks and plan time effectively.

-          Teach your child that not every task is equally important and not every task is equally urgent.  Talk about what things can or cannot wait, and how doing a certain task may affect the rest of their time that day or in the future.