Time management for kids - 7 easy tips
In this article I am giving you some easy tips to teach your children how to manage their time effectively to complete all activities.
"She prepared at home everything but couldn't complete it in the exam hall. Time ran out" - Many mothers often say such words about their kids. Such problems occur with kids when they can't manage their time effectively though they work hard to prepare well for exams. In such cases, it is the duty of parents to teach him the importance of time and the need to complete his tasks in accordance with time schedule.
What is time management?
Everyone should know the importance of time and each precious moment lost is lost for ever. So, it remains the duty of parents to teach their kids to do their activities within a time frame. i.e. Kids should have awarness about time. It helps them to study better without pressure and completing their tasks within the given time frame. In future, they need to perform multitasks at the same time, divide time schedules according to it and maintain a balance between them. If the kid doesn't know good time management techniques, he may fail occasionally even if he has good talent. Kids who know it never fail even if some changes occur in his daily schedule. Nowadays kids have to do lot of activities and assignments at home itself. His syllabus itself is a big burden. If he is not able to manage his time properly, he cannot complete his assignments at correct time which leads to tensions and it will affect his future activities too. It many lead to serious mental pressure too. If a work has to be completed within a time bound, responsibilities also increase. It may prompt him to ask his parents to complete it for him which will only adversely affect him. Here I am providing with 6 easy tips for you.
1. Start from early age itself:
The time when a kid begins to do his activities, parents should make him time conscious. If you are able to connect time with plays, then it will be very easy. For example, ask him to collect 5 beads while you are clapping 10 times or ask him to take a book from the next room and return back before you count from 0 to 10. It helps him not only to do things fast, but also to connect himself with different activities and number count. When he grows a little more, ask him to do activities using a clock or time piece. For example, you can ask him to arrange 5 objects according to size, giving him a time schedule like, the time needed for the second needle in the clock to take one complete rotation. He will definitely learn about the importance of time in his early age itself.
2. Time management in both deeds and thoughts:
In examination hall, some kids take more time to think while some others take more time to write in answer sheets. To avoid both these case, give them model exams at home itself. Never read questions to make it easy. Let him read the questions and answer. You can conduct such tests repeatedly till he learns to manage his time effectively within the time schedule. At first, you can give him more time for answering questions. Then reduce time for each test conducted later. This will surely help your kid to adjust himself with time more better. He should never remain struck with one question. Most kids can't find enough time in the exam hall mainly due to taking more time to think a forgotten answer. At home itself, he should be trained to skip such questions and proceed further. Gradually he will develop that habit himself automatically.
3. Ask other success people about their plans:
Some kids can't complete their tasks within the allowed time. He can ask some experienced persons about useful tips which will surely help him in better planning of his activities. You can even ask your kid to plan activities for others which will bring him more experience.
4. Assign small tasks at home giving a time slot:
Parents can give small activities to their children at home. Also give them a time slot. Then watch, whether he is able to complete that task within the given time. But never scold him if he can't complete it. It may discourage him more. Repeat the same tasks. Gradually, you will see him completing that task within the time schedule. It will surely give him more self confidence.
5. Wake up kids early morning:
Some kids take more time to prepare school bag daily. When school bus comes, they become more tension. It is better to wake them up a little earlier. You can also gift them an attractive time piece which prompts them to wake up early.
6. Important things first:
Kids should be able to do most important tasks first. If he has to do a number of tasks the same day, he should be able to arrange them in order of preference and pick the most important one first and complete it earlier itself. It will surely help him to manage multiple tasks in future also. Ask him to give preference to home works before studies.
7. Prepare a time table:
It helps kids to do activities in a well-disciplined and ordered manner. While preparing a time table, include his hobbies and interests too. Dining, preparing assignments, watching television, reading newspaper or books etc can be brought under this time schedule. If implemented successfully, it is the best tool for time management. Give time for extra-curricular activities like singing, drawing, painting etc also.
As soon as he returns from school, allow him to play. After than you can give 3 hours in the time table for studying. Dinner time can be provided after that. If your kid is studying in high school, he can be given study time till 10.30 pm or 11 o'clock. He may be asked to wake at 5 am. If your kid is interested in studies at late night, then allow him to do so. Change this time schedule at least once in a month. It helps them from becoming bored due to repetitive tasks daily.
Some more tips:
1. Never scold your child and make him do things. Just tell him that if he doesn't complete questions within the given time, he will get only less marks.
2. All kids are not at all intelligent. Hence prepare time table according to your kid's capability.
3. Most mothers would make ready their kids before the arrival of school bus. But it will reduce the child's ability to do things within the time schedule. Ask him to do his things himself. For example, having break fast, arranging books, wearing shoes etc. It will surely increase his self confidence. But you can give him some small help.
4. Some lazy kids may purposefully do their daily activities slowly. You can scold such kids a little bit to provide them with the right way.
5. When you are practising him with time management techniques, encourage him with suitable guidance. Also, appreciate him.
6. Give him some easy tasks and a time schedule. Gradually give him more tasks. Also, appreciate him if he completes it within the given time. But never scold him.
7. A kid may not be able to complete all portions daily. If so, ask him to give preference to most important topics.
9. Some kids can't write very speed. Make sure that it is not due to some disorders. If he is a small kid, ask him to read words on black board and write word by word. If he is an elder student, practise him to read sentences instead of words.
10. Concentration is very important. So ask him to read by understanding it and by asking questions himself. It will surely help to learn better.
Kids should understand the real value of time. Then only they can attain new heights in life. Good practices should be brought to life at early ages itself. In this article, I have given some of the easy tips for time management. Hoping it will help parents to arrange their kids' study plan and hep them in improving their studies, activities and of course, completing questions within the given time schedule.
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