Just like adults, kids can get overwhelmed with their daily tasks and responsibilities at home and school. An average kid will need to do homework, find time to play, and engage in other activities. This is why parents should consider teaching their children how to manage time properly.
Learning time management skills can set your kid up for lifelong success. At an early age, they can gradually increase their confidence when doing tasks and avoid procrastination. Other benefits of effective time management include improved productivity and focus, increased energy, and reduced stress levels. Curios
1. Start young
Kids learn at a faster rate compared to adults. So if you want to have an easier time teaching your kids time management skills, start as early as you can. Younger kids can grasp things much faster since their brains are still in the early stage of neural development. In that phase, their brains are more flexible. They can pick up various skills much quicker, be it learning a new language or riding a bike. Take advantage of their uncluttered minds and introduce the concept of time management. Repeat the basic time management skills to familiarized them.
2. Guide them to measure time
Many kids can tell time but don’t necessarily know how to measure it. One simple way to teach them to measure time is by using a timer when completing a specific task. You can go a verbal countdown or keep a clock close to them. In this way, your children can have a clearer idea of time segments and become more aware of them. However, avoid doing this for every activity your kids engage with. Practicing them to live by the clock is not a good thing. The goal here is to just help the kids understand what five minutes or an hour feels like.
3. Create time chunks for them
Another smart way to teach your children time management is by using digestible time chunks. This involves creating a routine with responsibilities or chores that your kids need to complete. Write a fun checklist of these tasks with your kids and post it in an area where they can easily see it. Some of these simple tasks include waking up, eating breakfast, studying, enjoying screen time, and spending free time. Be careful not to overschedule your kids. Create a routine with your kids and decide together on the top 10 small activities they need to do.
4. Designate a study area
Having a dedicated space just for studying can help your kids improve focus and productivity, which are vital elements of managing time. This is even more beneficial if your children are taking online K-12 classes or at lower grade levels. Online learning programs may be convenient for kids and parents since you all got to stay at home. But it can be a real struggle if your kid is studying in an area filled with distractions like noisy family members or the TV. Create a designated study zone where they can attend their online classes and do homework in peace and on time.
5. Make it fun
Kids can easily get bored or irritated when they’re forced to do things they don’t find fun and interesting. For your little ones, learning time management should be enjoyable. Make it fun by using stickers to mark special days or coloring their calendars. Turn your kids’ simple tasks into a big game, preferably those that usually take up too much time. These may include brushing their teeth, dressing up, or eating their breakfast. Remind them that the clock is ticking.
6. Show them how to do it
This is a no-brainer. Children learn by example. So, if you want them to be good at managing their time, you need to show them how. While good modeling does not guarantee that kids will do the same, it can infuse familiarity into their brains. This makes it easier for them to learn and master skills or activities when they want to try them. For example, if you tell your children that a specific schedule is important, they expect you to always be punctual. Being habitually late for things won’t encourage your kids to learn.
Whether your kid is a preschooler or in grade 5, it’s never too late to start teaching them basic time management skills. Not only are you helping them become responsible and disciplined, but it also means less work for you. You don’t have to spend a lot of time and effort watching their every move. Use these easy tips and teach your kid how to manage time more purposefully.