I hear from many parents that their child is stressed out with schoolwork, tests, finals, finding time to study, and extracurricular activities.
I know I mentioned in our previous Organewz issue that I would talk about filing systems, but I feel that I must talk to you about assisting teens and preventing stress overload in our children.
I do not like seeing overstressed children and teenagers. Stress takes a dangerous toll on us-we must prevent it early on.
Sit down with your child and do these three things:
1. Pick out a paper or electronic planner for them to record their appointments, assignments, and to-dos. I like using a paper planner in conjunction WITH something electronic to record all phone numbers, addresses and set appointments.
2. Talk about your child's priorities and map them out. What are your child's priorities? Typical student priorities are academics, family life, after-school activities, friends, relaxing, religion, pets, etc.
Have them rate their priorities according to level of importance. Then track the time they've been spending on things. For example, does the amount of time spent on schoolwork reflect the number 3 that your child gave it?
Draw a schedule with your child. Put the days of the week on top and the time of the day on the left hand side. Draw squares for the chunks of time that are occupied currently. Much of the time will be "school". Include squares for travel to and from school time, wake-up and dress, snack time, and after-school activities.
Once you draw it all out, you can see how much time is left. Having this visual really helps to see when is the best time to sign up for another class or hang out with friends.
3. W.A.D.E. through tasks (Morgenstern)
Sort through the piles of to-dos
Write it down-write down the task at hand. A test, a paper due date, a dance rehearsal. Get it in your planner.
Add it Up-Estimate how long it will take. A dance rehearsal that is an hour really can be an hour 1/2 when you include travel time. Overestimate.
Here's an example-A final exam in 12 weeks requring 200 pages of reading. If you read 20 pages a week for 2 hours, you can get it done with 2 days of review time.
Decide when to do the task based on your time map.
Execute- Do it. Reward yourself. Take babysteps and start the project. Work in 30 minute increments. Silence your inner perfectionist!
It is my hope that with these tips and recommended resources for teens time management, you can help de-stress your child and provide them with the skills they need when homework overload hits!
Rebekah Slatkin is a professional organizer with a website dedicated to getting you organized. Go to http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com and read helpful organizing product reviews and her ezine.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carDid you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More
The girl's jaw dropped in horror as the police officer... Read More
Many public schools not only fail to educate our children,... Read More
When you're a parent it's a difficult decision to know... Read More
The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More
Having a babysitter take care of your kids is sometimes... Read More
At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
You want your daughter to wear a dress to the... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
There is a front line and a back end to... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
I'll never forget my first lesson in a glider.I'd been... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
Teri was 5. As younger siblings do, she looked up... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More
Do you have a consistent problem with your child lying... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning... Read More
Parents, do you have children who do poorly in school,... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More
On a bright Sunday morning, a couple of weeks ago,... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
Recently, a much-anticipated game of mini-golf with my children soon... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is... Read More
The learning and development of Australian kids is under threat... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
Parenting |