As the Principal of the school, it is my responsibility not only to ensure academic success but also to guide students in essential life skills. One of these skills, often overlooked, is time management. Lately, I’ve noticed a concerning trend students arrive late to school, with delays ranging from 10 minutes to even an hour. This is not just a matter of missing a part of the school day; it reflects a deeper issue that could affect their future.
In today’s fast-paced world, teaching children the value of time is as important as teaching them to read and write. The habits formed during the early years are carried into adulthood, and punctuality is a key aspect of a disciplined life. Children who understand the importance of time learn to prioritize, plan, and be responsible. They are more likely to succeed in school, extracurricular activities, and, eventually, in their careers. Time is a finite resource once it’s gone, it cannot be regained. By arriving late, children are missing out on valuable learning opportunities and, more importantly, learning the wrong lessons about time management. This is where parents play a crucial role.
Children learn from what they see. If we as adults do not emphasize punctuality, how can we expect our children to value it? By ensuring that children arrive at school on time, we are teaching them that their time and the time of others is valuable. This simple act can foster a sense of discipline and respect for routines.
Early childhood, especially kindergarten, is the perfect time to instill good habits. At this stage, children’s minds are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. This is the time when they form habits that will stay with them for life. If we do not teach them the importance of time now, it will be much harder to correct these habits as they grow older. Moreover, learning to be punctual at this young age helps them adapt to the structure of school life, where lessons start at a specific time and every activity has a set duration. When children come late, they miss out on these important routines and may feel disconnected from their peers.
Set a routine: SC Establish a Help your child understand the importance of a daily routine. ı consistent time for waking up, getting ready, and leaving for school.
Lead by example: Show them that being on time is important for you as well. If they see you making an effort to be punctual, they are more likely to follow.
Explain the value of time: Help them understand why being on time matters. Explain that every minute they miss in school is a learning opportunity lost.
Prepare the night before: Getting things ready, like their school bag and uniform, the night before can save precious time in the morning and reduce the chances of being late.
As a community, we need to work together to ensure that our children are not just academically prepared but also well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of time. By instilling these values at a young age, we are setting them up for future success.
Let us work together to guide our children towards a brighter, more punctual future.
Principal Angels Valley School