Quick Click: 5 Ways to Procrastinator-Proof Your Child
• Step out of the line of fire. Leave the issuing
of orders and consequences, advice and directives, to the school.
Tempting as it is, if you rush to his rescue either by doing his homework
or writing an excuse to the teacher about why he couldn't, your procrastinator
learns that his tactics will ultimately be rewarded. Rescue too often,
and you also send the message that you really don't believe he can
do it himself.
• Acknowledge even tentative steps in the right direction.
If you're forever noticing what she isn't doing, instead of
what she is doing, you'll chip away at her confidence. Praise such
as "Good first draft!" or "That's a fine outline"
can go a long way toward motivating a child to complete assignments.
Reward her for trying by putting a star on the calendar for each day
she finishes her work on time. When she collects a weeks' worth, celebrate
with a movie or video date.
• Help him set goals he can meet. Simply beginning
is the hardest part for a procrastinator, so show him how to structure
his time. A book report in three weeks? Pencil each step into the
plan book or calendar: Research in the library; make note cards; write
an outline, etc. If he's staring at a blank page, suggest he write
down any thoughts that come to his mind, even if they seem off-base.
The process of writing down ideas can generate new ones.
• Involve your child in her homework schedule.
Hammer out a study routine you can both live with — taking into
account after-school activities and favorite TV programs as well as
her temperament (some kids prefer to finish in one sitting; others
need a break every 15 minutes or so). Give her choices — but
not too many. If she wants to watch a show before beginning work,
that's okay. But then she has to sit down and begin — even if
that means missing a "very important" program later.
• Turn homework time into family time. Bring home
some paperwork, organize your recipe file, do the Sunday crossword
puzzle, or pay bills while your child studies — doing it together
can be a motivator.
