HCN Guest Blogger and Homeschool Mom Michelle Osborn On Raising Responsible Teens: Teaching Time Management Through Deadlines
Let’s talk about one of the most important life skills for our teens: organization. It’s not just about getting things done; it’s a foundation for success.
As moms, we know that life runs on schedules and deadlines, and our teens are going to have to navigate that world soon enough, whether they’re heading to college or straight into a job. Helping them learn to manage their time now, while they’re still at home, is one of the best gifts we can give them.
Think about it: in the real world, bosses expect you to show up on time and get the job done. Professors don’t want to hear about the party you went to the night before a paper is due. Deadlines are deadlines! And they don’t change for special events or excuses. So, we’ve got to model that for them and make sure they’re learning those skills before they’re out on their own.
Now, I know it can feel a bit overwhelming to keep our teens on task, especially if organization isn’t our own strong suit. But there are some simple ways we can help them practice this through their schoolwork, starting with clear deadlines.
Set Clear Due Dates From the Start
One of the best things you can do for your teen is to set due dates and goals right from the beginning of the semester. Think ahead to when reports need to be done, books read and ready for discussion, or a math unit completed and studied up for the test. Marking these dates on a calendar, just like real-life deadlines, helps them see what’s coming up and keeps them on track.
Talk About Consequences for Missing Deadlines
In the real world, missing a deadline often has consequences, and it’s not a bad thing for teens to learn that now. Consider having a little family meeting before the school year kicks off to talk about your expectations. Write up a simple contract that includes the deadlines, any rules you want to enforce, and the consequences for not meeting them. This can be as simple as a “No screen time until the assignment is done” rule. Having it all in writing—and having your teen sign it—takes away that classic excuse of “I didn’t know!”
Make the Deadlines Visible
If you’ve got due dates, make sure they’re easy to find. Maybe write them on a big family calendar, or encourage your teen to use their phone, a digital planner, or a good old-fashioned notebook. Whatever works best for them! When the dates are front and center, they’re harder to forget, and they become part of your teen’s routine.
Follow Through
This one’s tough, I know! Our teens know us well, and they’re good at finding those soft spots to get us to give in. But when we stick to the plan, we’re teaching them that deadlines matter. Of course, things happen, and sometimes you may need to adjust, but in general, sticking to the plan will help your teen understand that they can’t just skip out on deadlines when they’re adults.
Learning to handle deadlines and manage time doesn’t happen overnight, but the little steps we take now will make a big difference for them down the road. And who knows—they might even thank you someday!
Remember, You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
Find the support you need to follow through, stay organized, and get that encouragement when you’re feeling like you’re falling short. It makes a huge difference to surround yourself with moms who are on the same journey—raising and homeschooling teens is no easy task, and having a community of others who understand can make all the difference.
Join us at Confidently Homeschooling Teens Membership for Moms. Not only will you get support, but you’ll also find the tools and resources you need to make sure you’re doing it right! Together, we can help each other keep going, even on the tough days!
About the Author
Where to Find Michelle:
Find Michelle at her website: www.homeschoolingteenssuccessfully.com
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Blessings,
Kimberly Bennett, LPC
Founder/CEO The Homeschool Counseling Network, Inc.
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only.
