Developing Time Management & Organization Skills at Home

1/28/2026

When we think about weaknesses in time management or organization, we might picture a messy backpack. We might also think of an unfinished assignment or a child who is ten minutes late to class. These behaviors may come from challenges with the internal systems that help kids manage their time and stay organized.

Recognizing the Gaps

Children need an adult’s support with these skills to some degree, especially younger children. For example, a second grader is unlikely to manage their schedule alone. They likely won't put down their video game controller to start homework without a reminder.

But, as children age, we can expect to see more independence. When that doesn’t happen, children might benefit from specific strategies to help them skill build.

At various ages and stages, struggles with time management and organization skills may look like:

Difficulty following multi-step directions
Disorganized retelling of a story
Trouble meeting expectations at home (chores, self-care, etc.)
Trouble staying focused or prioritizing tasks
Weak regulation of emotions

How to Help at Home

You can nurture organization and time management skills through modeling and guided support over the years. Providing structure and routine while also modeling your own skills are key to your child’s development. This will help your child meet deadlines, complete tasks, and reduce stress over time.

Building Routines

Children can feel overloaded by a long list of directions or too much information at once. To avoid this, it's best to establish clear routines at home. Routines can help kids build the thinking skills they need to be proactive problem solvers.

For example, you might store backpacks in a specific place each day or set a timer for thirty minutes of downtime after school.

Ask guiding questions like, "What do you notice about your backpack?" You can also use humor, such as, "Hmm, those backpack hooks look a little lonely!" This way, your child will feel more connected to the action.

Explain why routines help the household run smoothly. Try breaking this information into smaller segments. This will help provide structure and make it easier for kids to remember.

Modeling

Don’t keep the “mom math” in your head — share your thought process out loud.

Let everyone in your household hear what goes into leaving the house on time, preparing for outings, paying bills, and keeping the home organized. Better yet, invite them to work through it with you!

Creating a Clear Space

Just as adults tend to think more clearly in a decluttered environment, so do children. Help kids create an organized, welcoming space of their own. Model how you keep your own spaces organized, and remind them to check in with themselves about what they need to stay on track.

With younger children, try asking simple questions that help them check their space: Where do your toys live? What do you notice? Where do our dirty clothes belong? Discuss why this is important and how a clear space helps us do the things we want to do.

For older kids, work toward building more independence by using visual reminders. Having a ‘Clear Space Checklist’ posted where they do their homework will prompt them to ready their space.

Organizers That Work

Finding a system of organization that works for you and your child can be helpful. You can use technology to help, but with so many apps and new features, it can be hard to know where to start. First, consider where your child struggles the most.

Do they find it difficult to know which task to prioritize? Do they underestimate how long a task will take and find themselves cramming?

By identifying their needs, you can help your child create a system to support them. For example, to help manage specific tasks, a color-coded task list can break down tasks into musts, wants, and negotiables.

Notice, Reflect, and Celebrate the Wins

As you try new approaches, take note of your child's progress. Take time to reflect together and discuss any challenges you faced. Celebrate your wins, even the small ones. They are often the most important to recognize! End these discussions by setting one goal to work on the next day.

Working on effective time management strategies and organization skills at home will help your children foster success and confidence. Over time, these habits support their long term goals and lead to positive outcomes in school and with friends.

Learn More About the Skills That Matter

At Winston Prep, we understand that developing a solid base of transferable skills is essential for long-term success. We weave these skills into every facet of our educational model. Learn more about the skills that matter most.

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Winston Preparatory School is a leading school for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties (ADHD), and non-verbal learning disorders (NVLD).

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