Time Management for Kids: What It Is and How to Utilize It at Home

What Is Time Management?

Do you find that your children lack the all-important skill called time management? If you’re nodding in agreement, don’t worry—even adults have difficulties managing time!

So then, what is time management, exactly? Time management is a skill or a method that helps a person keep track of and organize their time in order to accomplish all of their duties and tasks in a timely fashion.

Why Would Kids Need Time-Management Skills?

After all, they’re just kids, right? Well, yes. But just like adults, children have their own things going on: school, sports, after-school clubs and activities, chores, and even jobs for older kids. That doesn’t even include time to relax and socialize with friends, which is important to work into each day.

So, how do busy kids fit in a day of school, softball practice, the school environmental club, homework and studying, after-dinner dish duties, and maybe an hour of Netflix or gaming with friends online? Time management.

You might be wondering: “How can I teach my school-aged child this type of skill that many adults haven’t even mastered yet?” Well, it may be a lot easier than you think.

Start with a Schedule

Just like working adults, school-aged children need a schedule not only for accountability, but also for stability.

• Start small and make it fun: print out a monthly calendar, then have your child color it so they feel a sense of ownership over it.
• Input all specific due dates for projects and activities.
• Keep your child’s calendar visible. Ask yourself: “Can my child see this on a daily basis without having to try hard to find it?”
• For older kids or those who are more technologically inclined, calendar and scheduling apps can be useful. Many provide reminders and notifications to help stay on track.

Prioritize

What is important right now, and what can be worked on later? Bucket your kids’ activities, projects, and homework assignments using these categories:

• High priority: an assignment due this week
• Medium priority: an assignment due within the next week or two
• Low priority: a project due three weeks or beyond

Bucketing priorities is a skill that can be applied to many areas of life, such as school, friendships, sports, and work.

Utilize Timers

Timers can help children dedicate blocks of time for daily tasks. Free online timers or traditional kitchen timers work well. It might take some trial and error to find the right amount of time to allot for certain tasks, but persistence pays off.

Children’s attention spans vary by age. A simple guide is to multiply their age by two to calculate a reasonable time frame in minutes. For example, an 8-year-old might focus well for about 16 minutes.

Brain Breaks!

It’s important to take breaks from time to time. Incorporating movement during breaks is especially important for kids. Websites like GoNoodle offer free, interactive videos that encourage kids to get up, move, and be mindful. These short videos are fun and engaging—perfect for a brain break.

Be Persistent and Consistent

Keep up with your child’s time management skills, no matter their age. It takes patience, practice, and frequent check-ins. Consistency throughout the week helps create a routine that will eventually become second nature. With time, your kids will be managing their time like pros!

About the Author:

Stephanie Siciliano, M.Ed.

“There is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to BE it.” – Amanda Gorman