Official Health & Wellness Partner
Students procrastinating is a tale as old as time. Sometimes, it looks like working on a project that was supposed to be done over several weeks in the last two or three days before it’s due. Other times, it’s staying up through the night to cram for a test the next morning. Students may procrastinate for any number of reasons. Read on to learn about a few of the most common ones.
Pressure to Succeed
What truly stops students in their tracks when it comes to getting assignments done is feeling like they might fall short. In some cases, this is an irrational fear that comes from a place of perfectionism. For others, it’s a sign that they are struggling to keep up with what is expected of them. It’s important to investigate this early on so you can help reassure your child or help them find the help they need.
Lack of Organization
Time management is hard for most people. Children especially struggle to understand that they need to use their time wisely, or there will be consequences. Ensuring that your child has an organized space with all the materials they need can set them up for success. Once the homework space is put together, create a schedule for getting work done. Keep in mind that breaks are necessary and should be worked into this schedule.
Too Many Distractions
In today’s world, everything seems to be out to distract us. Most adults struggle with this, but for children, they may not be able to shake them off as easily. If your child often stops doing work to spend hours doing something that involves less thinking, like watching videos or playing games, consider creating a homework space where no devices are allowed. Treat this area like a classroom, where they focus only on learning.
How to Stop the Cycle
Ending the procrastination cycle can be a challenge, but it is possible. Here are a few ways you can help your child understand why they’re procrastinating and start working more mindfully:
- Ask them why they’re doing it. Listen to what they say, and provide your insight if they seem unsure.
- Discuss the consequences of procrastinating, like lower-quality work and potentially missing assignments entirely.
- Set a schedule that works for your child. Ask for their input so they feel empowered and motivated to stick to it.
- Remove distractions from their homework space. This will help them focus on what they’re doing and value their breaks even more.
- Help with organization, from time management to getting a space put together that’s conducive to work.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know how procrastination can affect students, and that’s why we create a supportive environment where students can thrive. We hope these tips help your family overcome this common phenomenon. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a real-world learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.