On Time, On Track: Mastering Time Management
Growing up, my family suffered from what I can only describe as a serious case of “time blindness”. As a unit, we managed to show up late for everything - you name it, we were late for it!!!
Determined to break the mold and streak for tardiness, I worked fastidiously to be at least 3 minutes early for everything!!! Little did I know back then, that the executive dysfunction, time management, was responsible for the chaos, and it was in need of serious fine tuning.
Fast forward many years, I’ve developed strategies to overcome time blindness and gain both my freedom and sanity by sticking to timelines and meeting deadlines.
Time Management means having an accurate understanding of time and how it plays a key role in one's ability to begin and finish tasks within set parameters. It provides us with an awareness of deadlines and can offer an ability to pace oneself in order to successfully complete tasks. Good time management doesn’t mean being busy all the time—it means making room for rest, creativity, and hobbies without guilt or stress.Time Management can be the ticket to a stress free lifestyle!
Like my family growing up, one of the biggest issues I have seen in my coaching practice has to do with the executive dysfunction of time management. Young people tend to either under or over estimate how long it will take to complete a task. Have you ever heard your child say “I’ll do it later!”?? Or, “I’ll never be able to do this assignment, it’ll take forever!” If so, I would argue that they are not being snarky, cavalier or dare I say, lazy! In the former scenario, I think they truly believe they will get to it at another time - only that other moment never seems to happen and they are truly shocked. In the latter, I contend that they become so overwhelmed by their belief that the task is too much and will take too long, they shut down and ignore the assignment for fear of defeat. I have seen it time and again.
The pre-frontal cortex of the brain - aka the home base of executive function - takes time to develop. Science tells us that full maturity isn’t reached until mid 20’s - or even later for young people with attentional or learning challenges. So what can we do to support them - without the nagging or constant struggle??? We can offer them strategies that can strengthen the skill.
In my Executive Function Coaching practice, I introduce students to specific strategies to support their academic and social success. For your consideration, below are 3 strategies you might consider implementing at home to introduce a healthy dose of time management.
Consider Estimating Instead of Negating
For many of us, it’s easy to become task-avoidant when something seems like it will only take a little while to complete (i.e., “I’ll just do it later” only later never comes) or too time consuming (i.e., “I don’t have enough time to do this now!”). Instead of negotiating with your child about when they’ll begin something, try offering a challenge.
For example, if cleaning their room has become a point of contention, ask them to predict how long it will take to complete a specific portion of the job. Once they’ve given their estimate, set a timer and test their guess.
By turning it into a fun experiment, you can accomplish three things:
Focus and motivation increase when time limits are in place.
Your child gets a real-time sense of how long tasks actually take.
You’ve helped break down a big task (like cleaning a room) into more manageable steps—no lectures or arguments required.
Use External Tools for Time Awareness
Visual or auditory tools compensate for weak internal time monitoring. Using analog clocks, visual timers (like Time Timer), alarms or apps to demonstrate how time is passing helps children, teens and young adults start, stay on, and finish tasks on time. Perhaps you’d consider using one whey you are implementing time constraints on certain tasks (for example, if you are giving them 30 minutes to play a video game before you transition into your evening routine or if they need to read for 20 minutes, etc.).
Model and Reflect on time use
Our younger learners are like sponges and absorb so much through observation and discussion. Consider talking aloud about how you manage your time. For example, “I need 30 minutes to cook dinner and then we can eat.”
It’s helpful to reflect together after tasks are complete (i.e. “Did we give ourselves enough time? What could we do differently next time?”)
Time management is more than just being on time—it’s the key that unlocks all other executive function skills. When kids begin to understand and value time, they become better planners, organizers, initiators, and problem-solvers. It strengthens their working memory and sets the stage for greater independence and success.
Need support helping your child take control of their time (without the constant reminders)? As an Executive Function Coach, I help families turn chaos into clarity—one strategy at a time.
Let’s make time work for your child, not against them!
