01/12/2016
***The reason why you struggle with time management***
Regardless of how organized a person is, we all drop the ball once in a while — and it’s one of the worst feelings. But if you find yourself in this situation frequently, new research indicates there may be a reason why you struggle with time management and are always missing deadlines.
A study conducted by The University of Albany found that children who grow up with predictable, consistent daily routines are less likely to have time management problems as adults. Psychologists consulted 292 undergraduates who reported the regularity of childhood routines such as sleep habits, extracurricular activities, and meals.
The students who had consistency in their daily lives as kids were less likely to struggle with attention and time management issues in their adult lives.
“This study is part of a broader line of research exploring the relationship between the stability of the family environment and adjustment in children, adolescents and emerging adults,” Dr. Jennifer Malatras, the study’s lead author, told The Huffington Post.
Dr. Malatras continues, “Our research suggests greater regularity in family activities and routines is associated with fewer problems overall.”
Having a routine during our formative years provides a sense of stability and comfort — especially when families experience hardships or major life changes such as a divorce or a death. And it appears that this foundation of stability impacts our adult lives, influencing our ability to stay on track with deadlines and time management, even when our personal lives throw us curveballs.
Other psychologists have reached similar conclusions. “Building routines with your children helps them feel safe,” child psychologist Danielle Kaufman stated in a recent interview. “They know what to expect when they go home, and it provides them with clear boundaries, expectations, and consistency.”
Multiple factors influence a child’s development, but these recent findings emphasize that a consistent daily routine is key to the development of the time management skills that are crucial to succeeding in our professional and personal adult lives.
A study finds that children who grow up with predictable, consistent daily routines are less likely to have time management problems as adults.
