Your kids will need more than just being book smart if they are to be successful in life. Knowledge is just a part of the bigger picture, and the other pieces of the puzzle can be honed through character development at home. More often than not, kids can get overwhelmed with balancing their academics, co-curricular activities and social lives, simply because they do not know how to manage their time and prioritize the things on their to-do lists (if they have a list to begin with!)
 
The first step to teaching your kids how to properly distribute their time throughout the day is by following a schedule. You have to let them know that there is a time for everything, such as playing video games or doing their homework. Buy them a watch so they can keep track of the time themselves, and help them gage how much time each activity in their day would require. Another helpful tip for them to maximize their time would be to know their study habits. Are they visual learners? Do they prefer hearing the lesson rather than reading it? These methods are often overlooked, but they are essential for your child’s study habits.
 
If you find your child unmotivated to follow a schedule or get things done on time, consider a reward system. This not only teaches them that they have to work hard for the things they want, but it also shows them that every action has a corresponding consequence. However, at the end of the day, you must still remember to act as their friend and parent rather than a dictator or officer in charge. Hear them out, listen to what they have to say about matters on education or chores, and come to a compromise. You would be amazed what your kids can do if they know you have their full support and trust to do what is right.