“I forgot.”
“I didn’t have time.”
“I’ll do it later.”
If you’ve heard these phrases more times than you can count, you’re not alone. Time management is a life skill many adults struggle with and yet, it’s one of the most important tools children and teens can learn while they’re young.
Teaching time management helps kids become more focused, less stressed, and more prepared for the demands of school, friendships, personal goals, and eventually, work life.
In this post, we’ll explore why time management matters, how to teach it in practical ways, and what happens when children begin to see time as a resource they can steward—not a problem they can’t control.
Why Time Management Is So Important
When children learn to plan and prioritize, they feel more in control and less anxious.
Time management helps children meet deadlines, prepare for tests, and complete homework without last-minute panic.
Children become less reliant on constant reminders from adults and more responsible for their own routines and tasks.
Skills like planning, scheduling, and focus don’t just help now—they serve children in their future jobs, families, and personal lives.
How to Teach Time Management to Kids and Teens
Use timers or fun visuals to show how time works. For example:
“Let’s see how much we can tidy in 5 minutes.”
“You have 10 minutes left of screen time let’s set a timer.”
Give your child ownership over a simple planner or calendar:
For younger kids: Colour-coded charts with images
For older ones: Weekly or digital planners to track homework, chores, and personal time
Teach them how to turn “do my science project” into:
Breaking tasks down prevents procrastination and builds focus.
Having a consistent daily rhythm helps children feel secure and they know what to expect. Try setting routines for:
Morning readiness
Homework time
Bedtime wind-down
Ask questions like:
“What’s the most important thing you need to finish today?”
“Which task can wait till tomorrow?”
This helps them learn to make wise choices not just do what feels urgent.
Age-Specific Time Management Strategies
Ages 5–8:
Use picture schedules
Create simple checklists (“Brush teeth, pack bag, read for 10 mins”)
Set timers for fun tasks and transitions
Ages 9–12:
Introduce planners or dry-erase boards
Encourage setting small daily goals
Practice estimating how long tasks take
Ages 13–19:
Use digital calendars (Google Calendar, Trello, Notion)
Encourage goal setting and long-term planning
Teach blocking out distractions during work time
Tools That Help
Visual timers (Time Timer, sand clocks)
Printable weekly planners or to-do lists
Apps like Forest, Focus Keeper, or Todoist
Family calendars posted in visible places
Your Role as a Parent or Mentor
Model time management: Let your child see you plan your day
Avoid rescuing: Let them experience the outcome of poor planning sometimes—it’s a learning opportunity
Praise process over perfection: “I love how you made a plan and followed through!”
Reflect together: Ask what went well and what they’d change next time
Want Your Child to Master Time Management for Life?
At Empower Kidz and Teenz Academy, we help children develop powerful habits that go beyond the classroom. Through our life skills curriculum, coaching sessions, and engaging activities, members learn to:
Plan their day and week effectively
Set goals and manage distractions
Build productive routines
Take ownership of their time and responsibilities
Become a member today and give your child the structure, skills, and support to become a focused, confident achiever.
Final Thought
Children don’t grow into disciplined adults by accident. They grow through intentional training, practical tools, and consistent encouragement.
By helping your child learn how to manage their time, you’re equipping them with a gift that will serve them every day for the rest of their life.
Comments are closed