Learning to manage time effectively is something many children find challenging, yet it’s essential for success both in school and later life. Whether you’re a parent or foster carer, helping young people develop these abilities can make a tremendous difference to their confidence and achievement. The good news is that with patience and the right approach, any child can learn to manage their time effectively.
Start with the Basics
Before children can manage time, they need to understand what it actually means. Younger children often have little concept of how long activities take or what “ten minutes” really feels like. Begin by using visual aids like clocks, timers, and calendars to make time concrete rather than abstract.
Try timing everyday activities together—how long does it take to brush teeth, get dressed, or tidy their room? This helps children develop an internal sense of time that will serve them well as they grow older. For foster children who may have experienced disrupted routines, this foundation is particularly important for creating stability and predictability.
Create Routines That Work
Consistent routines are the backbone of good time management. Work with your child to establish morning and evening routines that include all necessary tasks. Write these down or create picture schedules for younger children, and place them somewhere visible.
The key is involving children in creating these routines rather than simply imposing them. Ask questions like “What do you think we should do first?” or “How long do you think this will take?” This collaborative approach helps children feel ownership over their schedule and makes them more likely to stick to it.
Make Planning Fun and Visual
Traditional planners might feel overwhelming to children, so get creative with planning tools. Try colourful wall calendars, magnetic boards, or even smartphone apps designed for young people. Many children respond well to visual representations of their time, such as pie charts showing how their day is divided between school, homework, play, and family time.
If you are currently fostering children who struggle with uncertainty, having a visual representation of upcoming events and activities can provide much-needed reassurance and help them feel more in control of their environment.
Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks
Large projects or assignments can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination or anxiety. Teach children to break bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. If they have a school project due in two weeks, help them identify the individual steps: research, planning, writing, and final touches.
Use techniques like the “Pomodoro method” adapted for children—work for 15-20 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This makes tasks feel less daunting and helps maintain focus.
Model Good Time Management Yourself
Children learn more from what they see than what they’re told. Let them observe you using calendars, setting priorities, and managing your own time effectively. Talk through your thought process when making decisions about how to spend time: “I need to finish this work before we can go to the park, so let me set a timer for 30 minutes.”
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Remember that developing time management skills is a gradual process. Celebrate small victories and be patient with setbacks. Some children, particularly those who’ve experienced trauma or instability, may take longer to develop these skills. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and adjust your approach based on each child’s individual needs and circumstances.
