Why Do Kids Procrastinate?
Apr 23, 2008
You just found out that your child has big project… and it’s due tomorrow!
Before you start yelling about procrastination and bad work ethics take a minute to look at the reasons why kids procrastinate in the first place.
Why do students put off a big project until the last minute? It’s not because they don’t want to do the work, or because they aren’t performing in school. Procrastination is nothing more than not understanding the steps involved in a project… it exists simply because kids don’t know where to start and because put more value on what is happening today than what will happen tomorrow.
Kids often procrastinate when it comes to homework because they don’t see how the project is relevant or important to them. When you boil it down, procrastination is a motivation, confidence, and impulsiveness issue.
When it comes to projects and assignments, kids need to understand two things in order to be motivated to get the job done:
- Kids need to understand how to do the project. To do this they need to use equal parts of project management and time management skills. Big projects can be overwhelming at the outset. Children need to break the project down into manageable parts such as research, writing and editing—so that they can follow step by step until the project is done in a reasonable time frame.
- Kids need to understand why the project is meaningful to them. Kids look for instant gratification—it’s their nature. Long-term results like getting into a good college are essentially meaningless to kids. Finding ways to make a project meaningful and relevant for them gives them motivation to get the job done today!
Helping students develop motivation for their work and a better understanding of the steps involved are the keys to helping students complete homework on time, finish projects well ahead of the due date, and put an end to procrastination for good.
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Comments(6)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2008/apr/23/why-do-kids-procrastinate/
Joe - Jul 9, 2008
I was thinking of commenting but I've decided to do it later.
Dodie - Nov 16, 2008
Ny daughter and 15 year grandson have a toxic relationship regardig homework. Every year, she punishes him for not turning in his work. He cannot participate in school activities even if it is for extra credit or for class assignments. She is a stickler for punishing him for not getting his agenda signed yet he passes the competency tests each year but ususally does not turn in his assignments which result in low grades during the year but he can converse intelligently on practically any subject. I have tried to get my daughter to let him live with my husband and me but she goes ballistic on my saying I want to pamper him and let him do whatever he wants with no discipline. How can I get my grandson to turn in the homework to relieve the pressure on him and to have a better life until he graduates from high school?
Charles - Feb 10, 2009
Because their lazy.
tephy - Feb 10, 2009
cuz our teacher doesnt kno how 2 teach science aka mrs.ryan not kidding
tephy - Feb 11, 2009
im sorry i worte that mrs. ryan i didnt mean it
June. - Feb 12, 2009
My sisters name is May.
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