Writing parenting tips for time management is a bit of an oxymoron for me. After all, I certainly could be managing my time better. Some days are better than others (I think we really should get every other day off – so we can spend the one in between preparing ourselves for the next) but somehow I get by.
But when it comes to teaching the kids how to pace themselves – I am at a loss for good parenting advice.
My son is in the midst of a big school project. My older son went through this in the fifth grade so it is my second time around. And I am realizing that this particular project is a rite of passage of sorts. This is where the kids get their first taste of handling their own time. It is great if you happen to be a together kind of parent. But if you are barely just managing it all – then look out!
I like to give the kids a long leash, if you will. They think they have it all under control. Yeah, mom, it’s almost done – they shout over the din of their various video games. Meanwhile, I know it’s coming down to the wire. Now, at the beginning of the project – I pull out my good parenting to skills and put them to work. Let’s see what we will have done by what dates. Ok – it’s on the calendar.
But time has a funny way of passing by quickly. And that due date creeps right up. Tonight was a late night for us. But the project is 99% done. What a relief! And in the eleventh hour something always seems to click. The kids just get it – they realize that this is not the best approach. They almost have to make that first mistake. And invariably the next project is always smoother.
Isn’t it funny how the children’s deadlines become our own?
So, I guess that my best parenting tips for time management for kids are this:
- Let them make their mistakes and make sure that they learn from them.
- Have lots of coffee on hand when that first project is due!
