LIBRARY BLOG

Time management is a helpful skill to have in all stages of life, but it can often be hard to stay motivated and on top of things. Here are some tips for different age groups on how to succeed in having good time management skills.

Time Management Skills for Small Children

Create a Picture Schedule

If children cannot read or tell time, it is difficult to teach them time management skills, but if you make a picture schedule this can help them understand the chronological order of their day. In addition, this can start introducing them into have a daily schedule which will help them when they grow older.

Set Priorities

By setting priorities children will learn the difference between having to do something and wanting to do something. By helping children prioritize their day, they will get the most important tasks done first, and this will help them set long-term goals for themselves. This is a skill that will help with their time management skills for years to come.

Establish Daily Chores

Set daily chores that should be completed. This will allow them to organize their day by fitting in the important tasks they will have to finish. This teaches them how to balance work time and free time.

Help Children Identify and Understand Time Concepts

The first step to good time management for a child is to understand the concept of time (minutes, hours, weeks, months etc.). Some tips on how to help children gain a sense of time are:

Set timers while they complete tasks
Verbally count with them
Mark off days on the calendar as they end
Talk to them about the different tasks that occur at different times of the day (bedtime, breakfast, bath time)
Teach them the language of time (before, after, next, last)

Time Management Skills for Teens

Plan Long-Term

As easy as it is to finish tonight’s homework and call it a day, it is much more beneficial to break down assignments into smaller steps and do them over the course of a few days rather than rushing it. This will not only improve the quality of your work, it will also help your mental and physical health since you won’t overexert yourself.

Prep for School the Night Before

Before you go to bed, pack your lunch, pack your school bag, lay out your clothes, and charge up everything. If you do this, when you wake up in the morning you can take your time getting ready and will be less stressed.

Go to Bed on Time

Getting a full night’s rest is an extremely important part in managing your time. Going to bed at a reasonable time will not only allow you to wake up earlier, but it will also give you the energy to accomplish all your tasks for the day.

Use a Calendar

Even though we all like to think we can remember everything we do; things can pile up. If you keep a planner with you or use a calendar to write down important events and assignments, you will never forget when things are due.

Time Management Skills for Adults

Handle Stress Wisely

Stress will only cause more of a distraction from doing what needs to be completed. There are many things you can do to get rid of stress so you can work to your maximum potential.

Simple ways to minimize stress are:

Take deep breaths
Listen to some music
Take a walk outside
Exercise and eat well
Take a break

Overcome Procrastination

Procrastination can result in a waste of important time and energy. Although it can be hard at times, avoiding procrastination can be beneficial to improve how you manage your time.

Don’t Overbook Yourself

Although it can be tough, it is important to refuse additional tasks that will overload your schedule. Setting these boundaries will lead to a healthy work-life balance, and decrease frustration, stress, and fatigue in your daily life.

Focus On One Task At a Time

Multitasking is common because many people feel that it can help you finish more work in less time. This is not true because multitasking can result in more mistakes and stress. On the other hand, if you take one thing at a time, it will result in higher productivity as well as lower your stress levels.