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Showing posts with label time management. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time management. Show all posts

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Easy Methods to Use in Teaching Your Child Effective Time Management

There are 3 easy methods to teach your child effective time management. These are: by teaching your child how to tell time; by teaching your child how to set priorities; and by showing your child that managing time is fun.

We’ve all been children before, so we know that some hardcore beliefs that we’ve decided to keep our entire lifetime had been passed on to us by our parents at an early age in our lives. We might even have forgotten when they actually first started telling us this and that, but we’re sure they’ve been doing so for as long as we can remember. Time management skills might just be what he needs to cope better in life when he’s grown. So how can you effectively teach your child this skill?

By teaching your child how to tell time

Teach your child early on to tell time. If you want your child to learn how to manage time, then this is the first step. Other than the advantage of being introduced early to numbers as well, your child will become more responsible and disciplined when he knows how to tell time and why it’s important. Use a clock with the three hands rather than a digital clock because your child might be bored with the latter. Choose a large one with attractive designs to make it more fun. For example, when your child asks for ice cream, tell him he can have one at four o’clock. Then show him the numbers where the hands should point at this time (You’ll also be teaching him patience through this.). As he asks for more things, he’ll have the idea that activities are done at different times during the day.

By teaching your child how to set priorities

As is always said, there are always more things to do than there is enough time to do all of them. This can be true even for a child. By teaching your child how to set his priorities, he’ll know how to divide his time among his different activities; he’ll know where to spend more time on, and where to spend little. You can teach your child this by using the reward principle. If he finishes his home work first, he will have the remaining time before bedtime entirely for television. But if he wants television first, he would have to watch only until a certain time, regardless if he’s watching a favorite show. Sometimes also, you might find your child having a dilemma between doing two school projects. Ask him which one he finds more difficult and advise him to do that one first. This way, he won’t dread doing the second project because he’ll know it’ll be easier. Always make your child see the advantages of wise choices; he’ll carry this skill until the time he starts making decisions for himself.

By showing your child that managing time means fun

You should never left this part out. If you allow sufficient time to be allotted for playing, entertainment, and doing the things your child enjoys, this will ensure that he knows you mean well and that you’re not simply making his childhood miserable. This is true for all the other things you want to teach your child; if you want your child to really accept the lessons you’re teaching him, it is always imperative that you let him see the fun part of it. Also, this is important for your child to learn how to balance responsibility and relaxation, which will ultimately make him the well-rounded individual that you want him to be.

As a parent, consulting a time management e-book might help in further honing your kid’s time management skills.


Saturday, September 4, 2010

Six Helpful Hints to Master Your Own Time

Master the use of your time by employing these useful hints: have different types of to-do-lists, split every large assignment into various small tasks, comply with your list of priorities, set a deadline, learn to be flexible, and be able to maximize your time.
Time management is essential in every student’s life. Whether you are in college or even in graduate school, you must be able to manage your schedule and make the best out of every minute. You are the boss of your time, and you need to use it well. Here are some ways to master the use of time so you can have a fruitful life.
Different types of to-do-lists
It is wise to have several types of to-do-lists. You group tasks that belong to the same category. You can have home to-do-lists compromised of grocery list, household chores, and bill payments. Another list would be for your social life that includes any activities relating to your friends and family. A very important list would be for your school life and should consist of everything about school tasks, assignments, and deadlines.
Split every large assignment into various small tasks
Every large assignment should be broken down into various small tasks. This is to ensure that the large task is accomplished. Small tasks are clearer and are more specific.
Comply with your list of priorities
Making a list of your priorities will guide you properly. Although, you don’t have to finish all of them right away. The good thing about setting your priorities is that you can easily say ‘no’ to requests from friends because you know that you still have much to do ahead. Prioritizing will make it easy for you to decide whether to say ‘no’ or ‘yes’ based on the availability of your time.
Set a deadline
Setting a reasonable deadline for each academic task is vital for properly managing your time. With a calendar at hand, you need to determine how long it will take you to finish one specific step that will lead to the completion of a larger task. Make sure you are able to come up with a sensible and achievable time frame.
Learn to be flexible
Flexibility is one thing you must also master. There might be unexpected disruptions with your planned activities. This does not mean you should give in to irritability because of these interruptions. Simply go with the flow and allow yourself to deal with the present condition. Moreover, plan your activities according to your peaks and lows. If you are a nocturnal individual, then it is best to schedule more of your tasks at nighttime when you are more enthusiastic and alert.
Maximize your time
While you are commuting or while waiting in a line, you can study your reading assignments. Perhaps, you can make use of this time to jot down important notes in your planner.