How to teach your child time management skills

As children grow up, it’s inevitable that they will become independent managers of their time and schedule. However, time management skills are only briefly covered in the curriculum, with some schools failing completely to teach children how to manage their busy workload. Here at Tutor Doctor, we know how important time management skills are in order for a child to be successful not only at school but throughout their adult life. That’s why we’ve come up with some ways that you can teach your children how to manage their time efficiently and effectively, all in the comfort of your own home.

Schedule time for homework
It’s important to help your child schedule in time for homework and studying. Often kids think that not being at school means that they can relax, see friends and don’t have to worry about anything else. Start by breaking down projects into pieces of work that they can fit into 30- 60 minute blocks of time, and schedule these into their planner or family calendar. Remember it’s also important to communicate with them that time is precious and having a plan of action is the key to success. Before you know it, they will be organising the time they are going to spend on each assignment and writing it into the calendar themselves.

Time-management tools
To effectively manage time, it’s important that your child has all the right tools to hand. These include clocks, watches, timers, calendars, planners and a quiet area to study in. For younger kids, planners will probably be most effective. For teens, a calendar on their computer that syncs up with their mobile phone, will be a convenient and trendy choice.
Encourage your child to make notes of everything in their calendars or planners, whether this is homework, a test, an exam or even social activities with friends. By doing so, it will help them see where they have free time and where they don’t. We guarantee that after a few weeks of doing this it will become second nature to them!

Teach self-discipline
Self-discipline is an important life skill and the earlier it’s learnt the better. Help your kids improve self-discipline by giving them the responsibility of managing their own assignments and projects. Letting your child experience the consequences of mismanaging their time, will serve as a valuable learning tool and experience.
Being a positive role model for your child will also be extremely beneficial. If they can see that you manage your time well and do things even when you might not really want to, it will be sure to encourage them to follow suit.

Manage sleep and energy for top performance
Managing sleep and energy levels is an easy way that you can help your child stay on track and stick to their busy schedule. Providing nutritious and whole foods alongside enforcing appropriate bedtimes will help kids stay focused and awake, rather than tired and demotivated. Fresh air and plenty of exercise will also help boost energy levels and encourage a positive state of mind.