Studies show that most people spend 20 percent of the average workday on crucial and important things while the remaining 80% is spent on doing things with little or no value.

Kelvin Ngo, Operations Manager of Kids Watch Central, says this could have been prevented if adults were taught proper time management early on. “If we don’t train [kids] to have good habits while they are young, they will spend the rest of their lives trying to shake off the bad ones.” Kids Watch Central recently organized a time management seminar for parents and kids.

He further notes that being able to tell time guides kids not only on when to catch their favorite TV shows but also in managing their time in doing  schoolworks, which will help them work on deadlines and client presentations when they grow up.

“Parenting experts have said it time and again – childhood is the best time to ingrain the skill of time management,” points out Ngo. “Now is the right time to do something about it.”

Key to success

Teacher and mom Monica Javier defines time management as a development of a process and the use of tools that help one be more productive and efficient. “It is thought of as a set of skills for better usage of time,” she further explains.

As a parent, she acknowledges that “time should work for me and everyone around me,” thus the need to incorporate organization and attitude into the equation. “You need to make this all come together so you can be a happier and more efficient person.”

Teacher Jennifer Tan of Explorations Preschool enumerates several tips to managing one’s day.

1. Make a program.

Formulate a comfortable schedule by assigning hours of the day or days of the week for your tasks and responsibilities, then make it a habit. Do not make it too ambitious so you can easily stick to it.

2. Make a checklist.

Jot down errands as this is an undeniably helpful way to avoid forgetting anything. Also, being able to tick off each finished task on one’s list will bring about a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.

3. Set priorities. 

First, differentiate what is "urgent" and what is "important." Next, map out the things you need to do such as where to go first, what to do next, etc. for a more productive flow to your day. It’s like the itinerary you plan when you go on trips and vacations. It would be very inconvenient to have to backtrack simply because you forgot to finish something earlier.

4. Delegate.

Let others have opportunities to improve themselves by giving them responsibilities. Let the children do age-appropriate tasks.

5. Follow routines.

Stick to your schedule so that things are accomplished faster and more efficiently. With children, when they already know what will happen next after a current activity, they become more confident and creative to explore and learn.

Clearly, all these techniques are not only applicable to moms and dads but to kids as well. “One important insight is that the prioritizing should come from children themselves,” says Javier, a mother of three. “If they’re the ones who classify homework for tomorrow as "urgent" or attending soccer practice as "important" then they can delegate their time and optimize their efforts accordingly.”

Tan, who has two boys, adds that children should also be made to realize the consequences of not having their time managed well. “It isn’t enough that parents discipline them whenever they refuse to follow.” She reminds that discipline is actually a way of teaching kids a habit, not about punishing them. Communicate how time management will affect your kid’s daily activities. For instance, tell him that if he prioritizes studying now, he will have more time to play later.

From abstract to concrete

Both Javier and Tan agree that teaching time management to children is not an easy task, especially since time itself is an abstract concept. It is hard for a child to grasp what or how long certain time durations are, if you, for instance, just tell him, “You have five minutes to put your toys away.”

They suggest using tools instead such as ringing bells or triangles to signify time for very young children. “You can also slowly count to 20 or sing a pack up song to gradually ease separation from an activity,” counsels Tan. “[By doing these things], you are sending the message that when [something is] done, it’s really done.”

However, be open to giving some leeway once in a while to foster creativity. For example, avoid abruptly interrupting a child who’s crafting a robot made out of clay when a few minutes more will allow him to complete molding the last arm or leg.

The two moms also believe that timepieces such as children’s watches would greatly help if these gadgets are visually appealing for the kids. A little boy who looks up to Spiderman or a little girl who loves Barbie will more likely be interested in looking at watches that feature these characters. “It’s about adding an element of "fun" to a visual representation of time.”

Javier and Tan further note that every child is different so it is also important to consider temperament and personality when teaching them to manage their time. Ngo recommends experimenting with different times for certain tasks and see where you have the greatest success. Then, create a consistent routine based on what works best for your child.

Proper time management makes for productive schedules and activities that will leave you with more time for your family. “Maximizing time is only the MEANS,” assures Javier. “Maximizing fun is the END.”