How to Help Your Teen with Time Management

Picture this: You go into your teen’s room late at night, and find them awake, sitting at their computer. They look anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. You ask what’s going on, and they say they have a big exam tomorrow that they haven’t studied for at all. You think back to the last few nights, remembering them playing games or talking with their friends, anything besides studying for this “big test”.

Ugh!

What if I told you that you were not alone in this experience? Many parents of teen clients report these, or similar, frustrations with time management. As teens juggle schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social lives, and perhaps even part-time jobs, effective time management becomes crucial. However, it's not always easy for teenagers to prioritize tasks and stay organized. As a parent, you can play a key role in helping them develop these essential skills. Here are some practical tips for guiding your teen toward better time management:

Encourage the use of tools:

It seems that all schoolwork is done on the computer nowadays. Between this, and the prevalence of smartphones and other devices in daily life, it’s no wonder teens rely on technology! Because it is so integrated in many aspects of their daily routine, it can be helpful for them to use productivity tools such as calendars, to-do lists, or planners. There are many apps designed specifically for students, which can help them keep track of assignments, deadlines, and activities in one place.

Break down tasks:

Has your teen had difficulty completing large assignments, tests, or projects, but can easily get daily work done? That is because large tasks can feel overwhelming, which further leads to procrastination. One way to reduce your teen’s overwhelm is to help them break their tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only makes the work feel less daunting but also creates a sense of accomplishment as they check off each task.

💡Example: Instead of your teen focusing on studying for all final exams, suggest that they divide the study time into smaller blocks for each subject, spread out over the course of a few days.

Create a routine or schedule:

Having a set routine can help teens manage their time effectively. Work with your teen to establish a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for schoolwork, activities, meals, me-time, and sleep. Be sure to include some flexibility to account for unexpected events, but having a general structure will help them stay organized and reduce the urge to procrastinate.

☞ Pro tip: When working with your teen, incorporate the importance of prioritizing tasks! Working together, create a list of the tasks they need to do, and decide what needs immediate attention and what can wait. This skill helps teens focus on high-priority assignments rather than getting sidetracked by less important tasks.

Time-blocking:

This is a strategy where you set specific periods for certain activities. Encourage your teen to assign time blocks for studying, chores, meals, and downtime. This method increases focus and productivity by minimizing distractions and creating clear boundaries between tasks. This also furthers the sense of accomplishment, increasing their self-confidence and productivity.

☞ Example: Your teen shares with you they have math homework to finish, an english paper to write, and a history test to study for. Instead of complete all of the tasks in one night, help them to structure their night in a way such as- 30 minutes for math, 15 minutes for a break, 30 minutes for the paper, another 15 minute break, and a final 30 minutes to do some history studying. Once that last chunk of studying is done, they can have downtime for the rest of the night. They deserve it!

Celebrate small wins:

Don’t wait until the big tasks are complete to celebrate achievements! Recognize and celebrate the small milestones your teen reaches along the way. Whether it’s completing a homework assignment on time or sticking to their study schedule for a week, acknowledging their effort will boost their confidence and motivate them to keep improving their time management skills. After all, who doesn’t love to be recognized for trying their best?

Time management is a skill that takes practice and patience to develop, but with the right guidance and support, teens can become more organized, efficient, and confident in managing their time. By co-creating good habits, providing helpful tools, and offering encouragement, you can help your teen build a foundation for success that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond! If you are still struggling to find effective ways to help your teen, please reach out to one of our Reach Counseling therapists!