Almost every young person struggles with these skills to some degree. Although some children are natural organizers, most kids and adolescents have trouble with time management and organization, such as forgetting lunch boxes at school, failing to complete activities on time, misplacing books and stationery, etc. Children may prepare for – and thrive in – life beyond education by developing solid organizational behaviors at a young age. Staying organized can help children with thinking and learning disabilities. It may take some effort at first, but it will pay off in the long run. Here are a few things that all parents can do (or stop doing) to make their children better carry out their tasks, get organized, and survive without their parents having to do everything for them.
Steps to Success
- Gather Supplies: Obtain test-related resources, such as textbooks, a pen or pencil, a highlighting marker, drink, and other necessary materials. Assist your child in remaining disciplined at the study table.
- Stay Focused: The child must manage to resist all distractions and concentrate on the task at hand, which is to study for the exam. Stand up and stretch, walk, cycle, or even do chores before sitting to study, steer them away from temptations like cellphones and TV, let them play, develop a to-do list, and allow them to take breaks in between routines are just a few methods you can assist your child remain focused. Using a standing desk for their study station can make it easier for them to switch between sitting and standing and do so periodically to shake off fidgets or jitters.
- Accomplish It: This entails reviewing, checking, and putting the final touches on the notes, as well as returning the items to their appropriate places.
When children memorize these procedures, they become more self-sufficient and can complete tasks more quickly and regularly. They are also delighted when they learn that they have free time to do whatever they want.
Set Household Habits
Pick a day during the week to complete household chores. Involve your children in the routine-setting process to help them develop management skills and urge them to imitate yours or create their own when they go to university to keep chores under control and stress at a minimum.
Use Checklists
Assist your child in developing the way of creating a "to-do" list. Post homework, domestic duties, and reminders on what things to take to class on checklists. He will feel accomplished when he crosses tasks off the list that he has finished. You can also make new checklists using apps such as Google Keep. While you wouldn't want to linger over every project, you can use it to keep count of which ones your child is doing quickly and which ones are taking a bit longer. They may require assistance in a topic or help in organizing their assignments.
Split Tasks Into Chunks
Assist children in breaking down school assignments or domestic duties into smaller, more doable chunks. This will demonstrate that each endeavor has a start, middle, and completion, making them feel less burdensome. If your child's evening task is to clean the table, explain that first, remove any food remnants into the trash. After that, put the dishes in the dishwasher and then wipe down the countertops.
Arrange Homework
Train your child to number tasks in the sequence they should be completed before starting a homework period. They should begin with one that's not too long or demanding, and they should avoid putting the most difficult or time-consuming assignments for last, such as essays. If your child has a complex project that isn't needed straight away, explain how to break it down into parts that they can fit into their regular homework time.
Appoint a Study Space
Every night, your child should study in the same location. This doesn't have to be a bedroom but should be a calm, distraction-free space. All of the necessary school supplies and equipment should be within easy reach. It might be preferable if you keep this somewhere close to you in case they need your help. You'll be able to assess your child's development better and encourage excellent study skills if they wish to study with you nearby as well. You may also use a bulletin board or a whiteboard, as well as bright slides and motivational posters.
Also, a height-adjustable standing desk should be helpful as well in keeping your child focused and energized as they can easily transition from sitting to standing whenever the need arises. This way, it's effortless for them to stretch those legs or simply change positions and promote proper posture unconsciously. Now isn't that a win?
Assign a Study Time
Your child must understand that there is a specific time set aside for learning and doing schoolwork each day. The optimal time is often not straight after school; most kids need time to relax first. Allow your child to help you choose a time. Although if they don't have homework, they must use the time set aside to go over the day's lectures, read, or work on a project.
Use a Calendar
A wall calendar is essential for keeping future deadlines apparent so they aren't missed and tracking down the days till they arrive — check off days of the month as they go. When they're out and about, they can use the electronic calendar to book appointments. Choose 2 or 3 nights a week to "sync" these by copying dates between one and the other and vice versa, making this a part of your new habit. You can also enter weekly duties to prevent them from being neglected.
Assist Them in Using Their Spare Time
Time management entails critical abilities such as prioritizing, planning, and time estimation, which are especially vital in college, where learners' primary commitment is to attend class 12-15 hours per week. It may seem contradictory, but having so much leisure time makes it difficult for university students to manage their time effectively. Create a weekly calendar for your children to follow for studies, housework, and hobbies. Then sit down and go through their conclusions, making sure to talk about whether they undervalued or overestimated the amount of time they needed for each task.
Have a Bedtime Routine
Review your plans and make plans for the next day before going to bed. It's a good idea to talk about the timetable for the next day and what measures the child must follow if the routine is broken for whatever reason. Preparing for the day ahead gives children a sense of security and ensures they do not miss anything.
Give Them Authority For Adult Responsibilities
Kids should be setting their appointments, organizing transportation, filling out documents at the physician's office, etc., by their final year of high school so that they are knowledgeable. Ensure they are comfortable doing these activities on their own before they depart for university.
Do a Weekly Cleanup
Empty book bags and notes once a week with your child. At home, previous tests and paperwork should be arranged and filed separately. Trash should all be discarded. School supplies that have sunk to the bottom of a bag should be stored in a dedicated pocket or returned to their home study area. Because your child's backpack serves as a vital link between school and home, it's necessary to keep it tidy. Set up a time for the kids to clean out and arrange their backpacks once a week.
Do Not Get in the Way
Professors at many institutions do not accept phone calls from parents, so encourage your children to practice mature communication skills. Teach your kids how to deal with figures of authority if they have an issue with an instructor or a coach. You can assist them in writing an email or practicing what they want to express if they need to speak with someone immediately.
Help Them Think Ahead
Before you go to bed at night, get down with your family and go through your preparations for the next day. This might provide children a sense of security. You can discuss how to manage things if there is a change in the plan together.
Final Thought
It's critical to instill organization skills in children as early as possible so these skills become instinctive as they grow older. Understand that organizing can be difficult for children, so praise and help them create varied routines and reward them when they complete a task effectively.
