Helping Teens With Time Management

IT'S ALL A PART OF GROWING UP

Everyone experiences problems in life. Learning how to cope with difficult situations requires problem solving skills. Parents and other significant adults can help teens learn how to make wise decisions and solve their own problems. But a supportive, well-meaning adult will not always be around to assist the teen in making good choices. Encourage your teen to follow these few steps; it may help them to work through their problems:

Identify the problem
Identify your goal
Identify solutions and think about each one's effect
Choose a plan of action
Take action
Evaluate the results

GET ORGANIZED

Getting yourself organized can save you time and worry. Here are some quick tricks to try:

Make a list of things that must be done. Do daily lists and list tasks in order of importance.
Prepare for the next day the evening before. Lay out clothing, make lunch, plan breakfast, gather personal belongings together.
Use an appointment book. Note times and tasks such as appointments, assignment due dates, or social commitments. Keep an eye on over-committing yourself.
Leave notes to yourself. Little reminders can be placed wherever you will be sure to see them, such as bathroom mirrors, steering wheels, or closest doors.

TAKE CHARGE

Many teens feel like "there's too much going on" in their lives. Sorting through goals, responsibilities, and options is the first step to managing your time. This breaks down the task into manageable pieces. Planning and prioritizing will put you in charge of your life. Putting your "to do list" into action means you must manage your time and the list can give you direction. The goal may not be to accomplish everything on your list, but rather to feel a sense of accomplishment for tackling those given the highest priority.

HOW? WHEN? WHAT IF?...

Procrastination and worry lead to increased amounts of stress when you already feel overloaded and pressed for time. The tendency to think "when can I finish?" becomes overwhelming. Instead, "when can I start?" This puts you into a "can do" frame of mind.

Quote For Thought!

"You gain strength, courage and confidence form every experience which makes you stop, look fear in the face, and do the thing which you think you cannot do."

David Baird