By Hazel Angela B. Javier
Time is gold is an old saying which tells how precious time is. It is so dear that we need to ably manage it. In this fast-paced world, everyone needs to learn the value of time – even the children.
Child development theorist Jean Piaget says that normally, children at ages 8-11 can be taught to schedule their time. One suggestion on how to do this is to ask your children to write down the activities they have inside any 24-hour period so they can better visualize time.
Starting age 12, kids can learn the task of prioritization. Here, it is essential that kids know their personal values. This is especially true because the generation of today is probably the most distracted – thus, the most prone to either “drop-everything-and-leave” or get burned out trying to accomplish everything.
The main challenge of teaching time management to teens is making them appreciate that every day counts. The Bible is Psalm 39:4 recounts, “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered-how fleeting my life is.” Give them planners and calendars so they themselves can put important dates and tasks for the day and the weeks ahead.
Self-discipline plays a crucial part in how kids learn time management. For some, good-old techniques of positive or negative reinforcement may work. Example – parents say: “If you stick to 1-hour Facebook time, then I’ll give you a reward…” (positive reinforcement). Parents should guide but not nag.
Psalm 90:12, Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom should be the prayer we teach ourselves and our kids. We are better able to teach time management when we model it ourselves. If our children can see that we as adults are capable of balancing our daily activities, then they will be convinced of its importance for them as well.
