What Practical Tips Can I Offer My Child to Help Them With Time Management and Organizational Skills?

by Julie Diamond, OCT

*this post will take about 4 minutes to read*

If you’re short on time, and/or would like to learn more about helping your child with their time management and organizational skills, email me for info about our executive functioning skills tutoring. Our tutors can teach your child strategies and tools to help them be ready for class.

“For every minute spent organizing, one hour is earned.” - Benjamin Frankin, American activist, author and scientist

Effective time management and organizational skills are essential for success in school and life. Children who develop these skills early can better handle the increasing demands of academics, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. As a parent, you can play a crucial role in helping your child cultivate these abilities. Here are some practical tips for improving your child's time management and organizational skills.

1. Teach Prioritization

   - Explain the Importance of Prioritizing Tasks: Help your child understand that not all tasks are equal. Explain the difference between urgent and important tasks, and why tackling high-priority items is crucial.

   - Create a Prioritization Matrix: Use tools like the Eisenhower Box, which divides tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This video can help you and your child better assess and prioritize their tasks.

2. Develop a Routine

   - Set a Regular Schedule: Establish a consistent daily routine to help your child know what to expect and when. Consistent bedtimes, wake-up times, and study periods create a structured environment conducive to productivity.

   - Use Visual Schedules: Visual schedules with pictures and colors can make the routine more engaging and easier to follow for younger children. You can find a FREE visual schedule template here. 

3. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks

   - Chunking Tasks: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Teach your child to break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. For instance, instead of "do homework," break it down into "complete math problems," "read history chapter," and "write science report."

   - Set Short-term Goals: Encourage your child to set short-term goals that contribute to completing the larger task. This approach makes the task less daunting and provides a sense of accomplishment as each smaller goal is achieved. Create a physical ‘To Do’ list, or use one of the apps mentioned below in #4, so your child can check off each task which will help to keep them motivated. 

4. Use Tools and Technology

   - Calendars and Planners: Introduce your child to calendars and planners. Whether digital or paper-based, these tools are invaluable for keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and activities.

If your child struggles with writing down homework at school, have them take photos of the Homework Board or the work that is due with their phone (if they have one). 

   - Apps and Software: There are many apps designed to help with time management and organization, such as Todoist, Trello, or Google Keep. These apps can help your child set reminders, create to-do lists, and organize tasks effectively.

5. Teach Time Estimation

   - Estimate Time for Tasks: Help your child practice estimating how long different tasks will take. This can be done through a time-tracking exercise where they log the time taken for various activities over a week. This will help them develop a realistic sense of time for the future.

   - Set Timers: Use timers for different tasks to encourage focused work periods. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can be particularly effective. As teachers, we typically start with 1 minute for each year of a child’s age (so 10 minutes for a 10-year-old and so on) as a gauge for the average attention span for students, but it varies depending on the student’s learning needs. 

6. Encourage Planning Ahead

   - Weekly Planning Sessions: Dedicate time each week to sit down with your child and plan the upcoming week. Discuss and note down all assignments, tests, and activities. 

I like to use different coloured pens or highlights for each subject, or child, to make it easier to see what needs to be done for each. 

   - Daily Review: At the end of each day, review what was accomplished and adjust the plan for the next day as needed. This regular check-in can help your child stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

7. Encourage Reflection and Adjustment

   - Reflect on Successes and Failures: At the end of each week or project, spend time reflecting with your child on what went well and what didn’t. Discuss what strategies worked and which ones need adjustment.

   - Continuous Improvement: Emphasize the idea of continuous improvement. Encourage your child to keep refining their strategies and to be patient with themselves as they develop these skills.

8. Organize Physical Space

   - Clean and Declutter: A tidy workspace can significantly impact productivity. Help your child keep their study area clean and organized. Provide storage solutions like bins, shelves, and desk organizers. Schedule a regular tidy-up to keep your child organized and ready for the upcoming month or semester. 

   - Designate Study Areas: Create specific areas for studying, playing, and relaxing. This can help your child associate different spaces with different activities, promoting better focus. 

9. Model Effective Time Management and Organization

   - Be a Role Model: Children learn by observing. Demonstrate good time management and organizational habits in your own life. Share your strategies and routines with your child. 

If organization has not been a strength of yours, learn and implement these strategies with your child together!

   - Discuss Your Plans: Talk about your daily and weekly plans openly. Discuss how you prioritize tasks and manage your time, making it a learning experience for your child.

10. Foster Independence and Responsibility

   - Let Them Take Charge: Gradually give your child more responsibility for managing their own time and tasks. Start with small responsibilities and increase them as they demonstrate capability. 

   - Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage your child to come up with solutions when they face time management or organizational challenges. This builds critical thinking and self-reliance.

11. Provide Positive Reinforcement

   - Acknowledge Efforts: Praise your child for their efforts in managing their time and staying organized. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue developing these skills.

   - Reward Systems: Implement a reward system for achieving specific goals or maintaining organization over a period. Rewards don’t have to be material; extra screen time, a special outing, or choosing a family activity can be effective motivators.

12. Teach Flexibility and Adaptability

   - Expect the Unexpected: Teach your child that plans can change and that it’s okay to adjust. Flexibility is a key component of effective time management.

   - Problem-Solving: When things don’t go as planned, work with your child to find solutions. This helps them learn to adapt and remain calm under pressure.

13. Promote Healthy Habits

   - Balanced Lifestyle: Ensure your child maintains a balanced lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, physical activity, and downtime. A well-rested and healthy body contributes significantly to effective time management and focus.

   - Mindfulness and Stress Management: Introduce your child to mindfulness practices and stress management techniques. These can help them stay calm and focused, especially during busy or stressful periods. Check out our Mindfulness Course for Kids. 

Helping your child develop strong time management and organizational skills is a gift that will benefit them throughout their lives. By teaching them to prioritize tasks, establish routines, use planning tools, and maintain an organized environment, you set the foundation for their academic success and personal growth. Remember, the goal is not just to manage time but to use it effectively to achieve balance and fulfillment. With your guidance and support, your child can master these essential life skills and navigate the demands of school and life with confidence and ease.