Hi everyone, I’m Ashley. My 12-year-old struggles with managing time for school, hobbies, and downtime. How can I teach them time management skills without overwhelming them? Any tips for making it fun and effective? — Ashley
Hi Ashley, welcome to the forum! I totally get where you’re coming from—my 14-year-old son Steven had similar struggles when he was younger, and now that I travel a lot for work, managing his time and staying connected has been a big focus for me.
One thing that really helped was using technology to create structure without making it feel like a chore. For example, we use shared calendars and reminders on his phone, which I can check remotely using mSpy. This way, I can gently nudge him if something’s slipping without being overbearing. I recently set up the same system for my 9-year-old Alex, who just got his first cellphone, and it’s been great for helping him visualize his day.
To keep it fun, try turning time management into a game—like setting timers for tasks and rewarding small wins with breaks or screen time. Also, involve your child in planning their schedule so they feel ownership over their time.
Most importantly, keep the conversation open about why managing time well matters and how it helps reduce stress. When I first started monitoring Steven’s phone, I made sure to explain that it wasn’t about spying but about helping him stay on track and safe, especially when I’m away.
If you want, I can share more about how I balance monitoring with respecting their privacy and how to use alerts effectively when you’re not around. Feel free to ask!