Being a high school student can be challenging, especially with the countless responsibilities and commitments that come along with it. From getting good grades, to extracurricular activities, and social events, your child is no doubt trying to juggle various tasks, manage their time effectively, and keep both their parents and teachers happy. It’s a lot! However, mastering time management skills is crucial in helping them balance their responsibilities and achieve their academic and personal goals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five ways to help high school students manage their time effectively.

Encourage Social Interaction

Encouraging social interaction is not just about providing opportunities for students to hang out with friends and family. It also involves helping them build strong relationships and develop social skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life. You can help them to effectively manage their social life and maintain a healthy balance by:

• Creating opportunities for social interaction

  Provide your child with opportunities to engage in social activities such as team sports, clubs, and community activities. This will help them meet new people, make friends, and also promote physical activity. Getting involved in extracurricular activities help students develop valuable skills in teamwork, relationship-building, and a sense of belonging, and in return contributes to their academic success.

• Encourage face-to-face communication

  Today’s teenagers are growing up in a digital age where they rely on social media platforms to communicate with friends. While these are great tools, students are also studying online and therefore spending numerous hours sitting in their bedroom or study area. It’s important to encourage them to have face-to-face conversations with friends and family members. This can be as simple as having a family game night, eating dinner together or going for a walk with friends.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions can be a major hindrance to high school students' productivity, and with the widespread use of technology and social media, it has become increasingly challenging to stay focused. It’s important to establish clear guidelines around technology and social media use during study time. If their phone isn’t needed during study time, encourage them to turn it off or put it on silent mode, so they are not tempted to check messages or notifications.

As an online student, your child should have a quiet designated study area, away from any household distractions. It is crucial to set up a dedicated study space that is well-lit and equipped with all the necessary supplies, including pens, pencils, paper, and books so they aren’t having to enter the kitchen and get distracted by the television, or noisy siblings.

It's also worth considering the importance of breaks when it comes to eliminating distractions. Taking regular breaks can help your child stay focused and energized, and reduce the temptation to be distracted. Encourage your child to take a short break after every hour of study or to take a brief walk outside to refresh their mind.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

According to studies, high school students need around 9 hours of sleep each night to perform well academically and maintain their overall health. Unfortunately, many teenagers struggle with getting enough sleep due to the demands of school, extracurricular activities, and social obligations.

As parents or guardians, you can help your child prioritize self-care by encouraging them to establish a consistent sleep schedule. This can include setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time, and avoiding caffeine and electronics before bed. Another way to improve overall physical and mental well-being, as well, gain better sleep is by consuming healthy meals and staying active.

4. Plan Out a Daily Schedule

Creating a daily schedule is essential for high school students to stay organized and productive. Studies have shown that having a daily routine can help reduce stress and increase productivity.

Students should be encouraged to create a schedule that includes specific times for studying, completing assignments, and participating in extracurricular activities. It's important to make sure they also include time for self-care and social interaction. Having a central location to keep track of their schedule, such as an email calendar, daily diary, or whiteboard in their study area, can help them stay on top of their tasks and prioritize their time effectively.

Remember to help them create a schedule that is realistic and achievable, and adjust it as necessary to ensure they stay on track with their goals.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

As a parent, it's important to let your child know that it's okay to ask for help when needed. Effective time management can be challenging for anyone, and there's no shame in seeking guidance and support.

Students at CGA have world-class teachers or academic advisors who can assist them in managing their workload or organizing their schedule. It's also essential to maintain an open and supportive dialogue with your child about their academic progress and stress levels. Let them know that you are there to support them and help them find solutions to any issues they may encounter. At CGA, students also have access to study hubs where they can come to work with other students and receive assistance from our academic advisors.

Time to Get Organized

Incorporating these 5 time management techniques can make a significant impact on your child's academic and personal life. They’ll feel more in control of their schedule, decrease stress levels, and enhance productivity in their academics.

If you're interested in learning how CGA can help your child create a personalized learning plan that balances academics and extracurricular activities, get in touch with one of our Academic Advisors.