“When we teach children strategies for time management from an early age, they internalize them, which sets them up for lifelong success.”
Before we start, ask your child:
What is your relationship with time?
- A friend
- Enemy
- Frenemy
Hey parents! Do you find your tweens struggling to juggle all the things they want to do after school? With homework, extracurricular activities, and hanging out with friends, it can feel like a whirlwind of busyness. But fear not, because we’re here to guide them on an exciting journey to conquer time management!
Let’s face it, time management and independent scheduling aren’t exactly a child’s forte. But with our expert tips and tricks, we’ll teach them how to make the most of their time, stay on top of their tasks, and even build time (yes, that’s a thing!). We will also understand how to teach your child time management.
- Do one thing at a time
We know you want the best for your kids, but when it comes to after-school activities, less is often more. Overscheduling can do more harm than good. They may end up feeling like they’re in a constant state of “go, go, go,” without learning how to effectively manage their time.
To help your kids understand the concept of time management, it’s important to avoid forcing activities on them. Instead, encourage them to be one-pointed in their actions. Multitasking may feel efficient, but it can make time feel like it’s moving even faster for your kids. This can lead to increased stress and reduced productivity.
- Use the 80/20 Rule
Time management skills can be effectively enhanced by following the 80/20 rule. According to the Pareto Principle, roughly 20% of our actions produce 80% of our results. In other words, the top 20% of our priorities will have the biggest impact on our lives.
So, why not apply this principle to your child’s schedule? Start by asking your kid to make a list of their priorities, such as finishing their homework and doing their chores. Then, take a look at the rest of the items on the list. Can any of them be outsourced or postponed? Are there any items that can be removed entirely from the list? By focusing on the top 20% of their priorities, your kids can accomplish more in less time and feel more in control of their schedules.
- Get physically organized
Think about it: when their physical space is a mess, it’s hard for them to focus on anything else. So, work with your child to develop an organizational system that works for them. It could be color-coding their school supplies, using a planner or calendar, or creating a designated spot for everything in their room.
By getting organized, your kid will feel more in control of their surroundings and be better equipped to manage their time.
- Identify the most productive period
Every superhero has their special power, and your child has their own unique productivity rhythm too! We’ll guide them in discovering their peak productivity time through the circadian rhythm—whether they’re larks, owls, or somewhere in between. Once they find their sweet spot, we’ll brainstorm ways to maximize their efficiency during that time.
- Never stop improving
Time management is a skill that takes practice, practice, and more practice. And even the most skilled time managers can always improve.
Encourage them to reflect frequently! Ask them to take a moment to think about which tasks they enjoy the most, or find the most helpful. Sure, homework might not be the most exciting thing on their schedule, but maybe they can find joy in the satisfaction of completing it.
The secret to time management
By introducing your child to the superpowers of time management from an early age, you’re giving them an incredible head start in life. Building good habits now will set them up for a lifetime of success. And remember, we’re here to guide them every step of the way!
Samay is all set to take your child on a journey in space and time! What are you waiting for? Sign up here and make your children time management superstars! In our quests, we’ll unlock the secrets of time management, turning it into a superpower that sets you up for lifelong success.
Together, let’s make every moment count!