The Clock is Tickin'

Teaching Kids Time Management

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I am a notoriously late person who has a little bit of trouble with time management. It's always been my own problem, but now I'm afraid it's rubbing off on my kids. I have a five-year-old and a 12-year-old and my older daughter seems generally unconcerned when she's late for school or having to stay up late doing her homework.

I don't want them to develop my bad habits. Do you have any tips for teaching them (and me!) better time management habits?

Sincerely,

Chronically Late Mom 

A:

Dear Chronically Late Mom, 

Time management is not just about being organized. It's about being respectful of yourself and others. Here are some things to keep in mind and teach your kids so that they get better at it:

1. When you are late, you inconvenience other people. While you don't want to raise a neurotic child, it is important to make clear consequences to behavior. Being late usually merits a detention in school or some other punishment. Being on time should merit something positive --- even if it's a big thank-you. 

2. Get the icky stuff out of the way. If your child has something to do that they don't want to do, procrastination may set in. Unless, you teach them to clean their room first and then they can be rewarded with a game of frisbee or baking cookies. Teaching this principle can help kids throughout their lives. 

3. Sharing the wealth. If you have a group of friends or family and a bunch of chores, sharing resources can make the time go more quickly. If everyone pitches in with each other's chores and work, the work may get done more quickly and more pleasantly. Teamwork and asking for help is a great lesson to learn -- and be taught. 

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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