Better time management for kids is always possible, no matter what age they are. All too soon, fun, school and chores become work, choices and responsibilities, so teach your children how to use and apply simple time management skills and tools -- you’ll both reap the rewards for many years. Sure, kids learn to tell the time; but what does that actually mean? Simply that they know how to break days down into hours, minutes and seconds. But telling the time is one thing; linking it to activities is another.
As adults we have learnt to associate tasks with time. Children who learn this too will be better equipped to cope with the way people structure life. In other words, kids need to learn that there is always a finite amount of time. For example, they only have so long between waking up and going to school, or ending school and going to bed.
Do they know why it matters? Are they clear on the consequences, costs and benefits of their time management? As adults, it’s our responsibility to make sure children understand and expect these. When they do, they’ll internalize habits faster and better… which benefits everyone
Tools to use:
1. Time management chart. Regardless of age, everybody benefits from being able to map out their days and weeks. It’s a simple and effective way to show improves time management for kids' routines, rhythms and limits during their days and week.
2. Analogue and digital clocks. When they’re young, teach them to make the link between time with activities. Using the earlier example, how much time is there between waking up and going to school? What needs to be done? How much time will it take? Sit down together so they understand, and then involve them in planning out a routine. This naturally leads on to useful techniques such as time boxing.
3. Timer. A simple kitchen timer is a great way to quickly improve time management for children. Use it to put limits on any activity you can think of.
4. Daily planner. When they are young, your weekly planner will help you map out their activities. As they grow older, encourage them to purchase and use their own daily planner so they can increasingly plan, remind and manage themselves. (Adopted from www.time-management-success.com)
