Time Management Strategies for Middle School Kids: Your Ticket to Freedom!

Parents, how many times have you thought: if only I had learned this when I was younger - I would’ve saved so much time and suffering!  That is part of the reason I do what I do now.

I believe by giving middle schoolers essential skills now, they'll be elevated to a brighter, more fulfilling future - and they will change our world for the better!  

As the parent your're likely managing most of your kid's life. In fact, most of their life is being managed by the adults; their teachers are telling them where to be and what they need to do during the day, and parents, you are likely telling them what’s happening after school, evenings and weekends (hopefully with some input from them).

Responsibilities and academic demands are only increasing and there’s a lot more you're likely expected to manage. I know you’re ready to take some things off your plate - and to pass them onto your middle schooler.  But you might be unsure if they’re ready or able...and, you’re wondering how to set them up for success. 

So, here are two words to help you get more freedom and your middle schooler to get more independence and control in their life...

Time management!

Now, if you didn’t get excited when I said those two words, consider this:

Building time management skills is your ticket to get more freedom in your life.  

Here are the top 3 simplest ways to build strong time management skills starting in middle school: 

1. Invest in a visual calendar

This can be a google calendar, a poster board with days of the week and post it notes  (like the Kanban Board I mention here) to tangibly move or a physical planner containing every month and day. I recommend the visual calendar or physical calendar myself. 

Have the mindset of "This is my new BFF". Just like any strong relationship, you check in and communicate with it every single day. Make sure the calendar lives in a place that is in obvious site where your middle schooler can see it and interact with it easily. 

2. Every Sunday is Funday 

Quick side story (related I promise): my husband and I needed to change our perspective with our finances so we created a weekly meeting to talk about them.  No one is allowed to cook and we always have something fun to eat or drink.  We actually look forward to these meetings now because we have more power and control and we feel excited about our direction.

So, pro-tip for parents (especially you moms), begin to make this weekly meeting non-negotiable for your family around time management! Take some of the pressure off of yourself to manage it ALL - and pass it onto your middle schoolers.

The first Sunday after you get the calendar, block off 30 minutes to 1 hour together and map out the whole year and put in the things things you know are happening: birthday’s, trips you’re taking, holidays, and more!

Every Sunday thereafter, make it a mandatory meeting time. Block off 30 minutes to review the week ahead together as a family.  That way you’re on the same page and there are no stressful surprises (hello, last-minute projects or plans!)

3. Middle Schoolers Manage!

Parents you’ll need to map it out with them at first (Sunday meeting!), but then the idea is for them to transition to filling out their own schedule during a discussion with you. 

Here are some things you can start off with: 

• Block off virtual class times.
• Note assignment / project due date 
• Block off work/study time to complete those projects and assignments that are due- super critical.
• Associate color with class (tips for that here) 
• Then, make sure to account for anything planned in the evenings and weekends.  Do you have family get -togethers, bday’s, lessons or fun things planned? Make sure they take up space in your planner so you can know in advance 
• Remember, once you’ve blocked all your to-do’s, remind yourself to make time for spontaneity doing the things you LOVE (gotta schedule in fun!). So so so important.

So there you have it - three simple ways to start strengthening time management skills. Remember, these are just tips for a good starting point. You may discover other methods or adapt these ones - it's you and your kid's journey to find what works. 

Thank you,

Be you. Be kind. Be limitless. 

~Ashley Chandler