And so we come to the last installment of our series on teaching children the life skills they need to live graciously and well.

Today, we look at time management. Even though young people tend to think they are eternal, they still need to use that time well. Here are some skills you can help children develop:

• Break down a large, long-term project into smaller tasks that can be done a piece at a time. Scouting projects (like getting a badge) or school projects (like summer reading) are great opportunities to work on this skill.
• Developing routines for daily events like getting off to school in the morning, coming home from school, and getting ready for bed at night. A morning routine might include things like getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing your teeth, and making the bed. An after school routine might include having a healthy snack, putting school papers in a designated place, emptying gym and lunch bags, doing homework, and doing chores. The nighttime routine might include putting toys and books away, a bath, brushing your teeth, preparing the school bag for the next day, and setting out the next day's clothes. Having established routines makes these hectic times run more smoothly.
• Using "wait time" well. We wait a lot — for the dentist, in line at the store, for people to arrive, etc. Kids need to learn to use that time well, by reading, writing a note, organizing school papers, whatever it is.
• Related to that, a child of school age should be able to entertain herself without a screen for at least 30 minutes. I recommend developing the habit of carrying a book everywhere. Other children might like a small toy or a jump rope.
• Kids need to learn to keep their calendars. In earlier years, this will mean reporting events to be placed on the family calendar. This might include things like soccer practice, school events, and the bake sale. As a child grows older, he can keep his own calendar as well. Things like doctor's appointments would go on the family calendar, but assignment dates might just be on his.

So, what else do you think kids need to know?