Do you struggle with being on time, finishing reports on time, or getting ready for bed? Are you frustrated by your kiddos being on time or turning in homework on time? One of the top prized executive function skills is time management.  That is the ability to be aware of time passing, assessing how long tasks take and planning ahead.  Time management is not always something children or adults naturally develop on their own. It is an executive function skill that requires practice, guidance, and systems that support success.

Why Time Management Is So Difficult

For those with time management challenges, there are a variety of struggles with time management. These include:

• Estimate time accurately (when to start to finish on time)
• Prioritize tasks (what to do first)
• Break large projects into smaller steps (preventing being overwhelmed by a project)
• Plan ahead (planning beyond today)
• Monitor progress (pivoting as needed when projects stall)

As adults these challenges look like knowing what to do when everything seems important, getting started on a project but not finishing because it takes much longer than anticipated and transitioning between tasks when required. Your student’s school life requires managing a full schedule of classes, homework, extracurricular activities, social commitments, and family responsibilities.

Start with Time Awareness

Here are simple activities to begin feeling and thinking more about time.

Track Daily Tasks

Create a google sheet to estimate how long a task will take and then record the actual time spent.

Examples:

• Getting ready for school or work
• Completing a work expense report or math homework
• How long it takes to get in the car
• Recording dates and information in your planner

Over time, you and your student will become more realistic about how long tasks require because you have data to support you.

Externalize time with visual timers

Visual timers and analog clocks help you see time passing.

Set a timer for:

• Homework sessions
• Chores
• Morning routines

Place a clock in these transition spots:

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Spaces with technology (computer, ipads, games)

Seeing time helps you and your student stay focused and build awareness.

Teach Planning Backward from Deadlines

Seeing an appointment, meeting or due date is not enough. Plan backwards and include work time in your schedule. Set up

Your Expense Report Due on Monday

• Monday: Turn in report
• Friday: Review to be sure all receipts included
• Wednesday: Enter data into google sheets
• Monday: gather receipts (automated if possible, from a single source)

Student Science Project Due Friday

• Friday: Turn in project
• Thursday: Final review
• Wednesday: Complete poster
• Tuesday: Finish research
• Monday: Gather materials

Write it all down, no matter how small.  Making these micro-steps visual helps with post-it notes, outlines, charts or a dry-erase board. Breaking reports, projects and assignments into smaller pieces reduces overwhelm and increases success. Allowing extra time give you wiggle room.

Create a Weekly Planning Routine

A weekly planning session helps you and your student see upcoming projects, activities and responsibilities before they become emergencies.

For your Weekly Planning Time, choose one hour, one day each week.

• Add dates to your planner for work or home
• Calendar proactively with backwards planning
• Prioritize your ongoing list
• Add tasks from your ongoing list
• Look one month ahead and review upcoming holidays to stay on top of what’s needed.

For students, daily planning is needed because assignments change that frequently.

Set a homework time each day for these tasks.

• Check online for assignments
• Review changes to deadlines
• Check upcoming tests for 2 weeks ahead
• Add activities and practices
• Prioritize homework and complete assignments
• Pack bag and leave in Landing Strip

You can use body doubling for your routines where you and your student work simultaneously on your planning. You and your student may benefit from verbally processing priorities and setting up accountability for completion.

Choose one of these strategies to begin learning and practicing your time management skills or encouraging your child. Remember that practice is important and that you are learning as you go. Track your success to see how you are succeeding. As you succeed, you will create systems that serve you well. And always remember that this is a work in progress for you and your student.