Parenting is an adventure. Especially when you’re helping your neurodivergent child navigate through their day. We’ve compiled seven time management strategies to turn a challenge into a walk in the park. These strategies are designed to be simple, effective, and adaptable to your child’s unique needs and abilities.
Table of Contents
1. Visual Schedules
Let’s start with visual schedules. They’re like a storyboard for your child’s day. They help kids understand what’s coming next, reducing anxiety and resistance. This can be particularly helpful for kids with thinking and learning differences.
- Breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, school – pictures representing these tasks can be a godsend.
- For older kids, a more detailed planner can work wonders.
2. Time-Timers
Next up, we have time-timers. Now, these are different from your average timers. They visually represent time passing, which can greatly help kids who struggle with the abstract concept of time. It’s like having a visual countdown for everything.
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
Use it for homework sessions, chores, or transitioning between activities. It’s a simple tool, but it can make a difference in your child’s time understanding.
3. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks
Ever heard of the saying, “The way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time”? Well, the same applies to tasks. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can make a daunting task seem less overwhelming.
Instead of “clean your room,” try “pick up toys,” followed by “put clothes in the hamper,” and so on. This approach makes tasks manageable and gives your child a sense of accomplishment with each completed task.
4. Use Apps and Technology
We live in a digital age, so why not use it to our advantage? There are numerous apps and technology designed to help with time management. Goally, for instance, is a learning tablet for kids that can be customized to your child’s needs and preferences. It includes reminders, timers, and task managers.
These tools can benefit neurodivergent kids, making tasks and time management more accessible and understandable.
Read more: 7 Life Skills Activities for Kids
5. Routine, Routine, Routine
Routines are like the backbone of time management. They provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting for neurodivergent kids. Establishing and maintaining a consistent routine can significantly improve time management.
Whether it’s a morning routine, an after-school routine, or a bedtime routine, consistency is key. And remember, it’s okay to adjust the routine as needed. Flexibility is just as important as consistency.
How Goally Can Help With Time Management
Goally is a powerful tool in time management strategies. It’s a learning tablet designed specifically for kids with thinking and learning differences. The beauty of Goally is its adaptability. It can be customized to fit your child’s unique needs and preferences. With visual schedules, reminders, timers, and task managers, Goally can help your child understand and manage their time more effectively. It’s not just about getting tasks done; it’s about helping your child gain control and independence. With Goally, time management becomes less of a struggle and more of a skill your child can master and carry into adulthood.
Sponsored by: Goally
"Goally has changed our lives. I no longer nag our son nonstop to complete basic tasks like getting ready for bed or cleaning his room!" — Bryna, Goally Mom Learn more →
6. Teach Prioritization
Not all tasks are created equal. Teaching your child to prioritize tasks is a valuable life skill. Start with simple choices and gradually increase complexity as they become more comfortable with the concept.
For instance, homework before video games. It’s a simple choice, but it’s a start. They can apply this skill to more complex situations as they grow older.
7. Encourage Self-Monitoring
Lastly, encourage your child to monitor their own time. This can be as simple as checking a clock or as complex as estimating how long a task will take and comparing the estimate to the actual time spent.
Self-monitoring fosters independence and gives your child a sense of control over their time. It’s a skill that will serve them well throughout their life.
Goally | Routines that Actually Work
Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
Time management strategies can be a lifeline for kids with thinking and learning differences. With patience, practice, and the right tools like Goally, your child can gain control over their time and reduce stress for the whole family. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
