The document discusses time management techniques for kids, distinguishing between postponement (a conscious delay) and procrastination (inaction). It suggests creating morning routine checklists and using planners to organize tasks, and offers rewards for completing tasks. Strategies include preparing the night before, reviewing planners daily, and finding an appropriate planner that fits the child's needs.

1. Time Management for Kids Mary McDonald McDonald Consulting Group www. mcdcg .com

2. Postponement – it’s different Postponement – making a conscious choice to do something later (and putting it on your schedule) Procrastination – inaction – not doing anything about it Postponement is taking a conscious action to delay working on a task. Postponement can help you to get the things you need to get done, done!

3. Some postponement techniques: Don’t read your mail or IM your friends when you get home Postpone logging on for the first 30 minutes – do something you need to first. Let your cell or home phone go to voicemail for 1 hour – get chores or homework done before returning calls.

4. Time Management For Kids Morning Routine Kids often have difficulty getting up in the morning, because they sleep more deeply than adults, and they may not be getting enough sleep during the week (they usually catch up on weekends).

5. Time Management For Kids Morning Routine Suggested items for the checklist may be: ___ Get up when asked/wake up on time ___ Wash face ___ Brush teeth ___ Make bed ___ Eat breakfast ___ Feed pet ___ Comb hair ___ put breakfast dishes in sink/dishwasher ___ etc. To counteract this, a morning routine checklist may be helpful .

6. Rewards Kids can also earn ‘rewards’ for completing their entire checklist, and also for completing the checklist for a week. These rewards may be a special breakfast of their choosing, a snack of their choosing for their lunch, 30 minutes of free time (to read, play games, etc.) or to select a fun activity as a big reward for the week, such as renting or going to a movie, planning a family video or board game night, or going on a picnic.

7. Starting the Night Before If morning routines are difficult for you, try starting the night before: ___ Stack books, homework, signed papers, etc. where you’ll see them in the morning, or put in your backpack. ___ Look at your planner and tell mom/dad about special needs (bringing in food or supplies, as an example) so everyone can prep for the morning. ___ Gather up after-school stuff you’ll need tomorrow (sports equipment/uniforms, musical instruments and sheet music, supplies for arts/crafts) and put with school stuff

8. Tips/Techniques What are some techniques kids use for time management? One of the best tried-and-true techniques is a daily or weekly planner.

9. Planner The planner helps you to remember important events, like homework due dates, scheduled practices for sports, dance, or music, and invitations to parties or friends’ houses. What’s the best planner to use?

10. The one that you’ll write in! 

11. Which Planner to Buy? You can find a pocket planner or a notebook sized planner at any store – find one that you’ll remember to carry around. Some kids like a notebook sized – they keep it with their school books Some kids like a smaller one – that fits in a pocket or purse.

12. What to Look for in a Planner Lots of space – space to write down assignments and homework, appointments, and things you want to remember. Don’t buy a planner that only shows monthly pages – get one with daily or weekly divisions. Don’t want to go to the store right now, but want to get started?

13. When to Use a Planner What’s the best time to use a planner? Write down your assignments, appointments, and important info as you hear about it – at practice, at school, from your parents, etc. If you don’t know where to schedule it right away, write it in the notes section at the bottom of the planner.

14. Reviewing the Planner Most kids seem to do well by reviewing their planner just before bedtime: write down what needs to be done tomorrow write down what you need to bring to school tomorrow (if it’s something that’s in the frig, or can’t be put with your backpack) gather the books and things you’ll need

15. Summary Help your child to be a better time manager: Can’t get started in the morning – use checklist Disorganization – organize at end of day Relying on memory – writing everything down in one place (planner) Lack of communication – review notes in planner

16. For more info and help for adults and kids please contact: McDonald Consulting Group 512-280-7175 [email_address]