Learning About Time Management for Kids
If you feel like the number of hours in a day is just not enough for you to finish all you have to, can you imagine how difficult time management for kids is? Today, the schedule of children is as hectic as their parents'. They have to balance several responsibilities at once - school, home, friends, and their interests.
While time management for kids is hard as it is for adults, learning this skill will truly benefit your children. And the best way they can understand the importance of time management and acquire it is if they see you practicing it in your daily life. Here are some practical tips for time management for kids:
1.) Categorize their activities dividing them into chores/errands, schoolwork, social activities, bed time and interests (or other category).
2.) Set rules with your kids. Make them part of planning their daily schedule so they do not feel like you are simply giving them orders. One rule you can use is that they need to finish their chores and schoolwork before their bedtime.
3.) Make sure to track how your kids are doing. Are they able to follow your rules without any problems? If you find that they are starting to put off their chores until a few hours before bed time, they are not learning good time management for kids, because they are essentially cramming. So, make a change of rules or use another approach whenever necessary.
4.) Set time limits for every activity category. For example, house chores should be done before dinner and homework before bed time or vice versa. If your kids have free time to play, you also need to ask them to be home before a certain time.
5.) It is also very important in time management for kids that parents consider their children's needs. While it will benefit them to learn how to use their time wisely, do not force your children to finish a task when they are obviously tired, for example, when they just got home from school.
6.) Reward your children for their accomplishments by giving them certain privileges like more time spent with friends, for example. However, be careful with these rewards so as not to spoil your children even if they already finished their chores and assignments.
Time management for kids is not just about teaching them how to plan their activities but more importantly how to make smart decisions about using their time more efficiently. The earlier your children learns this skill, the better-equipped they will be to face their future. Lastly, keep in mind that setting a good example is one of the best ways to teach your children.
