How to Set Manageable Time Management Goals for the Back to School Season
Now that summer is coming to a close and the back-to-school season is upon us, it's time to start thinking about how you're going to manage your time this year.
For parents, working with their kids to set achievable time management goals can be a challenge.
But don't worry, we're here to help! In this post, we'll discuss some tips for setting manageable time management goals and achieving them.
So read on and get ready to take on the back-to-school season like a pro!
Figure Out What’s Realistic
Time management is a key skill for students to master as they head back to school. After all, there's a lot to balance between homework, extracurricular activities, and socializing.
But rather than try to do it all, experts suggest focusing on what’s most important.
The first step is always the same - you need to figure out where your time is going.
To find out, try keeping a diary for a week. At the end of each day, write down how you spent your time in 15-minute increments. Then take a look at where your time goes and identify any patterns (or your child’s time, in this case).
Once you have a better sense of how you spend your days, you can start setting realistic goals. For example, if you know your child spends two hours on social media every day, you might set a goal to cut that down to one hour.
Or, if you know they have trouble getting started on homework in the evenings, you may set a goal to start working as soon as you get home from school. Having specific, achievable goals can help you make the most of your time and your child’s time – and have a successful back-to-school season.
Set Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Goals
By setting some achievable goals for yourself and for your child, you can make the most of the back-to-school season.
One useful goal to set is to create a daily or weekly schedule. This can help you make sure you're allocating enough time for studying, socializing, and relaxing. Routine is incredibly important, both for the parents and the kids in the family, so make sure you’re planning out time for regular healthy habits, like going to bed at the same time each night or squeezing in exercise.
Another goal might be to establish a better system for keeping track of assignments and due dates. This could involve using a planner, setting reminders on your phone, or keeping a folder for each class.
The key here is to set goals that are achievable on both the short-term scale (daily) and long-term (say, every fall).
Set Healthy Habits
In addition to setting time management goals, it’s also important to encourage healthy habits like eating breakfast, getting enough sleep, and staying active.
When children have healthy habits, they’re better able to focus in school and feel their best. So start the back-to-school season off right by setting realistic goals and fostering healthy habits in your family.
Stick to the Plan - and Adjust as Needed
By taking a few minutes to plan each day, you can help ensure that everyone gets where they need to be on time.
And if things get off track, don't be afraid to adjust your plan. There’s no shame in going with the flow - as long as you and your family are aware of what the priorities are.
The most important thing is to have a system in place that works for you and your family. With a little bit of organization, the back-to-school season can be a breeze.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments Along the Way!
The start of a new school year is an exciting time. There are new classes, new friends, and new opportunities. However, it can also be a challenging time, as students have to juggle their academic commitments with extracurricular activities and socializing.
Nevertheless, it’s important to continue striving to help your child get better at time management. Celebrate each small win, whether it’s getting an assignment turned in on time or juggling homework assignments with soccer practice.
By setting - and sticking to - time management goals, you can help make the transition back to school a success.