Time management skills allow your child to determine how long it will take to get ready for school and finish homework, among other important roles. Challenges in these areas can result in unfortunate events such as missing the bus or having to stay up late to finish assignments.

Signs Your Child Struggles with Time Management

If your child has difficulty with any of the following areas (organized by grade level), they may have time management challenges:

Preschool/Kindergarten

  • Completing routines without wasting time when given reminders
  • Speeding up how quickly they work on a task when needed
  • Finishing small chores within a set time limit

First-Third Grade

  • Completing brief tasks within set time limits
  • Determining the appropriate amount of time needed to finish a chore prior to a deadline
  • Finishing morning routines within a time limit

Fourth-Fifth Grade

  • Completing daily routines within a time limit and without assistance
  • Adjusting homework schedules to account for other activities (e.g., a doctor’s appointment after school)
  • Starting long-term projects in advance with minimal assistance

Sixth-Eighth Grade

  • Finishing homework before bedtime
  • Prioritizing homework over other activities when time is limited
  • Working on long-term projects over several days

Strategies to Address Time Management Challenges

The following strategies can be implemented to help your child if they struggle with time management:

  • Set up a predictable routine at home, including bedtimes and mealtimes when possible
  • Have conversations with your child about how long it takes to complete tasks (e.g., chores, homework, etc.) to help them build time estimation skills
  • Plan weekend activities that involve several steps with your child, helping them understand how long each part takes
  • Use a large calendar for the family that is posted where everyone can see it
  • Consider using a clock that visually shows how much time the child has to complete a task

By following these strategies, you can help your child ensure they are ready to go in the morning and finish all of their homework before bedtime.

Reference:

Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.