- Planning
A Guide to the Wisely & Co Academic & Wellbeing Planner
Helping Your Tween or Teen Thrive
Calling all parents of tweens and teens! If you’ve ever felt like helping your child balance school, activities, and wellbeing is a juggling act, you’re not alone. We all want to see our kids succeed, stay happy, and grow into resilient, kind and confident individuals. Simply put, we want them to flourish. But let’s be honest—it can be a challenge to know where to start. Enter the Wisely & Co Academic & Wellbeing Planner, a tool designed to make life a little easier for your child—and for you, too.
This isn’t just a planner. It’s a science-backed guide that helps kids stay organized, develop resilience, and nurture their emotional wellbeing. And the best part? It’s easy to use and built with families in mind. In this guide, we’ll show you how the planner works, share some fascinating insights into the benefits of planning and time management, and offer tips to help your child get the most out of it.
Meet Wisely & Co: A Planner Made for Real Life
At Wisely & Co, we understand parenting during the tween and teen years isn’t always smooth sailing. We’ve been there! Founded by two parents—an educator and an entrepreneur—our mission is to support young people in becoming happy, confident, and capable.
When we looked at the challenges kids face today—rising stress, poor time management, and struggles with emotional resilience—we knew we wanted to create something meaningful. The result is the Wisely & Co Academic & Wellbeing Planner, a resource that doesn’t just focus on school but also helps kids prioritize their mental health and personal growth.
This planner is more than a calendar. It’s a tool for:
Time management: Teaching kids how to structure their days and get things done.
Resilience: Helping them bounce back from challenges.
Emotional well-being: Encouraging reflection, gratitude, and self-care.
It’s not just about getting through school—it’s about thriving. And as parents, you’re key partners in making that happen.
Why Planning Matters for Tweens and Teens
Let’s talk about why planning is such a game-changer for young people. Research tells us that planning and time management aren’t just good for staying on top of homework—they have a profound impact on mental health, confidence, and long-term success.
8 Reasons Planning is Essential for Kids
- Improved academic performance: Studies show that students who plan achieve better grades.
- Reduced stress: Knowing what’s coming helps kids feel more in control.
- Higher productivity: Prioritizing tasks reduces wasted time.
- Stronger decision-making skills: Planning frees up brainpower for important decisions.
- Better emotional health: Staying organized fosters calm and focus.
- Goal achievement: Breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them attainable.
- Boosted confidence: Meeting deadlines builds self-belief.
- Healthier sleep habits: Effective planning ensures time for rest and recovery.
Planning Strategies Backed by Science
Here are a few proven strategies that your child can try using the Wisely & Co planner:
1. Time Blocking
This involves assigning specific time slots for tasks, making the day feel more structured. For example:
4:00–4:30 PM: Study for math quiz.
4:30–4:45 PM: Take a break.
4:45–5:15 PM: Work on English essay
Why it works: Research shows that time blocking improves focus and reduces distractions. The planner’s built-in scheduling tools make this simple.
2. Prioritization
Not all tasks are created equal. Using a “Must-Do, Should-Do, Could-Do” system, your child can focus on what matters most.
Why it works: Prioritization helps kids manage cognitive overload and stay productive. The planner includes a daily prioritization section, so they always know where to start.
3. The Pomodoro Technique
This method involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a short 5-minute break. It’s perfect for homework sessions!
Why it works: Short bursts of focus reduce fatigue and improve productivity. Teens can use the planner to schedule their Pomodoro intervals and track progress.
4. Self-Care Breaks
Encouraging short breaks to recharge is essential for well-being. Activities like journaling or a quick walk can make a big difference.
Why it works: Research shows that breaks improve mood and cognitive function. The planner’s self-care prompts make it easy for kids to prioritize mental health alongside academics.
How Parents Can Help Make Planning a Habit
For many kids, planning isn’t second nature—yet. As parents, we can play a huge role in showing them the ropes and making it a positive experience. Here’s how to get started:
1. Start Small
Encourage your child to begin with one or two daily goals. Over time, they’ll naturally build their planning muscles.
2. Make it Collaborative
Sit down together at the start of each week to review the planner. Help them map out their schedule, and talk through any challenges they’re anticipating.
3. Celebrate Progress
Did they stick to their plan for the day? Celebrate that! Positive reinforcement helps build momentum.
4. Model Good Planning Habits
Kids learn by example. If they see you planning your own day or using a to-do list, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Getting the Most Out of the Wisely & Co Planner
The Wisely & Co Academic & Wellbeing Planner is designed to grow with your child and adapt to their needs. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. Start Big: Plan the Semester
Sit down together to highlight key dates like exams, projects, and family vacations.
Use the Goal-Getter Guide to help your child set meaningful semester goals, breaking them into manageable steps.
2. Monthly Check-Ins
Review progress on long-term goals.
Add new events and adjust plans as needed.
3. Weekly Planning
Every Sunday, carve out time to map out the week ahead. Include assignments, extracurriculars, and downtime.
Use the planner’s time-blocking tools to balance schoolwork and self-care.
4. Daily Use
Encourage your child to write down assignments, prioritize tasks, and reflect on their day.
The daily SHINE (positive habits) and CALM (mindfulness) routines help them incorporate self-care into their busy lives.
The Bigger Picture: Skills for Life
The beauty of the Wisely & Co planner is that it’s more than an academic tool. It’s a life skills manual that teaches kids how to manage their time, set goals, and care for themselves—all skills they’ll use long after they’ve graduated.
But even more importantly, it fosters a sense of confidence and self-reliance. As parents, we’re always there to support our kids, but tools like this empower them to navigate challenges on their own.
We’re Here for You
Parenting tweens and teens isn’t always easy, but small steps can make a big difference. The Wisely & Co Academic & Wellbeing Planner is here to support your family every step of the way.
If you ever have questions, need advice, or just want to share your child’s progress, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at talktous@wiselyandco.com. We’re in this together, cheering for you and your amazing kids.
