Time management is about using our time wisely. This is one of the life skills that we have to give our children.
Children learn what they see. So if you come in and throw your bag, drop your coat over a chair, and toss your keys on the table, only to search in vain for them two hours later, it shouldn't be any surprise that your children can't find their shoes when it's time to leave the house. As a parent, you need to decide what kind of household you want to have, and then make that happen.
Time management can start early, even with children 5 yrs. of age. It can be turned into a game, for example, "Can you finish getting those blocks into the box by the time your favorite song is over?".
As kids get older, they can begin to understand time constraints. Therefore give them the freedom to decide, rather than making decisions for them.
Some tips to teach children to manage time effectively.
- Set clear priorities on daily activities- This means the need for a daily schedule. There is a time for schoolwork, naps and play time. For example, set a time for their meals, and if they are not finishing it up in the given time frame, then just remove the plate. Similarly the time to play, watch television, etc. needs to be set.
- Give them an idea on the possible duration of an activity- As young kids, you don't want them to study long hours so tell them that the maximum is only two hours, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They have to finish their homework really quickly. Encourage them to start with the difficult homework first while they still had energy and then go onto the easy tasks. This really helps them.
- Reward- This comes out to be very important as the child's efforts are to be recognized. Reward the child immediately for the completion of the task and by doing this we are reinforcing the child to do the same thing again. Rewards do not have to be materialistic, it can be given in the form of appreciation which very well with children.
As a parent, remember to be happy when you see small steps in the right direction. It's on the part of a parent to have to repeat things several hundred times before a habit is formed. Keep in mind that your child is learning a new task and he or she isn't going to get it right away. The parent needs to help and keep the child on track. It's always asking a question, not making a demand.