Teens and Time Management

If you have watched your child write his first research paper or study for an important exam, you have probably noticed some time management issues. There are so many more interesting and fun things to do than to spend several hours studying or writing weeks before something is due. You may have resorted to constant nagging or cringed as your teen flipped into panic mode at the last minute.

Time management is a secular issue which can also have spiritual consequences. If your teen doesn’t learn how to manage her time well, most likely God is going to be what is eliminated. If you don’t believe me, notice the attendance differential between Sunday morning and week night teen Bible classes. Or ask your frantic teen when was the last time he took time to pray or read his Bible. Even when schools require students to serve others, they are often rushing around at the last minute trying to accumulate their necessary hours.

I was intrigued when I was offered the chance to review a time management book specifically addressing the time management issues of teens. What’s the Deal with Teens and Time Management? by Leslie Josel attempts to teach parents the best way to help their teens develop better time management skills.

As with almost any book about teens today, the author spends some time addressing the not-quite fully developed executive function center of the brain. Personally, I would love to see someone do a study as to whether the way teens are parented today has somehow stunted the growth of the executive function area of the brain. I have seen many teens who have better developed executive function skills than most of the adults I know. I would imagine their parents have worked to help them learn and practice these skills many times during their young life.

Once the author moves past this executive function caveat as to why her methods may not work, she really does break down the time management issues in understandable ways. Her tips are practical and should be easily taught to the average teen.

I appreciate the author for giving readers sample charts and tables to use when helping their teens. There is a lot of practical advice covering everything from homework to getting ready in the morning to how technology is changing time management. She also gives a list of additional resources and other things to have your child checked for if her strategies don’t help.

While this book does’t cover every issue or tip on time management, it is a quick, easy read with enough practical tips to be helpful. If your teen is struggling with time management issues, this book may be what you need to get him on track.

This book was given to me for free in exchange for my honest review. There is an affiliate link in the post for your convenience.