‘I’ll do it after supper.’
‘Just let me finish my game on the computer, and then I’ll do it.’
‘Mum, can you help me with this homework? I have to hand it in tomorrow!’
Procrastination is something that affects us all, children and adults alike.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, procrastination is defined as ‘the act of delaying or putting off something’. Some researchers add a further nuance, defining procrastination as ‘characterised by the irrational postponement of tasks, despite the potential negative consequences’. [1]
The nuance of negative consequences is important for frustrated parents who do not understand why their child puts off major school projects until the last minute. ‘Don’t you understand how important this is for your grade point average?’ we ask. ‘Why didn’t you start earlier?’
It is important to understand that procrastinators know that there will be negative consequences resulting from procrastination, but fear of these consequences is not enough to overcome the urge not to do it. Explaining the negative consequences to them is therefore unlikely to have the desired effect of pushing your child to move forward with a task. You need more concrete actions.
Here are some measures you can take to help your child overcome procrastination:
1. Know what your child's homework assignments are and when they are due.
You cannot help your son or daughter take steps to do something if you do not even know that he or she has to do it. Nowadays, many schools have online portals where important assignments and exam dates are posted. Use this information to learn about and take an interest in your child’s schoolwork. Ask your child regularly what they need to do for school and by when.
2. Help him break down a project into smaller parts.
Some assignments or projects may seem overwhelming at first. If your child seems unable to get started, help them break the project down into smaller parts to get them going. If a maths assignment has 10 questions, divide the questions into 3 groups and start with the first 3 questions, without worrying about the rest for now.
3. Do not strive for perfection
Help your child understand that you do not expect them to get top marks on every exam or assignment. When a child believes they must get the best mark on every exam or assignment, it can discourage them before they even try. Be realistic in your expectations and make sure your child is aware of them.
4. Use a timer
Agree with your child on a length of time they should work on a task or assignment before taking a break, and set a timer. A timer can help a child focus by eliminating the possibility of procrastination, such as constantly checking a phone or watch. It also establishes good study habits for years to come.
5. Set a reasonable schedule
If your child participates in every possible activity, they will not have enough time to do them well. Talk to your son or daughter to find out what interests them. Help them choose activities that truly interest them, while leaving time for important tasks.
6. Be an example!
Our children copy our behaviour. Set a good example and do not procrastinate in your own activities.
It is important to help your child develop habits to prevent or reduce procrastination. This will help them at school, but also throughout their life.
[1] Procrastination in Daily Working Life: A Diary Study on Within-Person Processes That Link Work Characteristics to Workplace Procrastination, par Prem, Scheel, Weigelt, Hoffmann, et Korunka, Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 9, 2018
