Let’s talk about a real-world problem: Procrastination! How many adults have struggled w/ procrastination & yet, never were taught skills to mitigate the ‘Energy sucking bad habit’ of putting things off again and again? There are things you can do as an adult to decrease your #Procrastination; however, this post is for ‘parent procrastinators’ who want their children not to suffer the same bad habit!
Let’s dive into an educational strategy with some additional insights!
💡Imagine you’re working with your young child, say 8 years old. They often get lost in a sea of distractions when they should be doing a specific activity, as example, homework. To help them, you set a clear goal: “Alright, kiddo, finish two pages of your math worksheet. After that, we can have a quick snack break.”
🙌🏼Why does this work like a charm? Well, young minds thrive on structure and rewards. They can see the finish line (those two pages), and the promise of a snack keeps them motivated. Plus, two pages seem much more manageable than the whole worksheet.
Now, let’s talk about a real-world problem this solves: “Procrastination Paralysis.” Many children put off doing assignments until the last minute, causing stress, anxiety & frustration for them and their parents. This clear goal-setting technique helps children break tasks into smaller, achievable chunks, making them less likely to procrastinate.
👉Shifting gears to a high schooler, where teenagers often wrestle with focus. Picture this: Your history teacher says, “Today, we’re diving into a big research project. Step one: pick your topic. Step two: outline your main points. Step three, start your research.”
Those restless teens are suddenly engaged, knowing precisely what’s expected at each stage. This approach works because it breaks down a daunting task into manageable steps.
Now, let’s address a prevalent issue in high schools: “Project Panic.” Teens often feel overwhelmed by large assignments, leading to anxiety. But when parents can help guide them through clear, step-by-step goals, that panic subsides. Students become more confident and less stressed.
In summary, this technique isn’t just a teaching trick; it’s a lifeline for students of all ages. Use it at home to break down larger household chores into parts, give feedback & provide the next step. It’s about providing clear goals, breaking tasks into bite-sized pieces, and keeping your child on track. Say goodbye to procrastination puzzles and project panic — it’s time to ace getting stuff done! 🎓🌟
By: Dr Christine Powell, Education Therapist & ADHD Coach