Time Management
Time management is a constant part of life. The busier our schedules get, the harder it seems to keep things under control. This is true for kids, as well as adults. The better we keep our time, the more productive we feel, and the better we feel about how our time is spent. Keeping a consistent schedule, however, can seem daunting at first, particularly if you’ve not had one. Don’t worry, though; We’ve all been there! Over time, it’ll help build the good habits we all want to see our kids have, as well as making sure everyone gets to do things they want to do, while also being sure that the things that need to get done, do.
Prioritize the necessities
Take some time to sit down and figure out what needs to get done, and what is most important. This can include things such as homework, chores, or anything else that usually needs to be done on a regular basis. This can change over time, but usually, this tends to stay fairly constant. After you figure out what is most important, start with what is 2nd, 3rd, etc, until all the things that NEED doing are on that list.
Plan out time for activities
Whether a weekend family outing, or ensuring you’re getting to class on time, it’s important to keep these things on schedule. Nobody likes showing up to class, or the movie theater, late! Being sure that you allocate time for extracurriculars ensures that you stay consistent with them. Don’t forget to include travel time!
Anything left over is free time
Leisure time is healthy for everyone, kids and adults alike. Everyone needs a little time to unwind. However, free time is usually spent on things that are enjoyable, but usually, not necessary. While it’s important to have time for these, it doesn’t need to take priority.
Give a new schedule time to sink in
It takes roughly 2-3 weeks to form a new habit. New schedules are exactly that, forming new habits. It’s going to seem hard at first, but be sure to really give the schedule at least 2-3 weeks of CONSTANT effort before deciding whether or not it needs to be adjusted.
An example schedule may look something like this:
4:00pm, get home from school, do homework
5:00pm, eat dinner
5:50pm, do chores
6:30pm, attend class at Team Chip
7:30pm, get home, get ready for bed
8:30pm, leisure time
9:00pm, bed time
This example omits anything from before school starts, but your schedule doesn’t have to. Your schedule should fit what’s best for you and your family, and it’s important to take the time to sit down with everyone and set a schedule. Not everyone’s schedule needs to be the same, even in the same family. Starting a schedule, or even adjusting to a new one, is always hard at first. The more consistently you stick to it, especially on the days that it seems too hard, the easier it gets.