How To Teach The Child Not To Procrastinate

How to teach the child not to leave for tomorrow what he can do today is one of the main concerns of parents. This behavior, which can become a habit, is called procrastination.  We tend to put off the tasks that we assume as tedious or those that we associate with sacrifices, changes or pain.

This is a fairly common attitude, but we must not succumb to it. Although we have all procrastinated at some point, it is important to look for tools that show you how to teach the child to avoid this behavior. Also, replace it with more productive practices.

It is not easy, since the trend is towards energy conservation and minimal effort. However, many times in our lives we have to learn to force ourselves to start.

Curiously, once we have forced ourselves and are immersed in our task or objective, it immediately “hooks us” and motivates us. The moment in which we resist apathy and focus on action is very empowering on a personal level.

How to teach the child to avoid procrastination

The best teaching method has always been to lead by example. You cannot ask the child to stop loafing if you do. Here we are going to mention some tips on how to teach the child to prevent procrastination.

Set specific time frames by activity

Teaching the child to have and adhere to schedules is vitally important for their future. Since you will have to deal with situations that should not be postponed. One hour to do homework, another to play, a time to rest, and so on with each activity.

Encourage good habits

Instructing your child in good habits is another way to educate him. Establishes routines that allow you to know the importance of meeting the commitments made in the scheduled time. He may be instructed to do his homework first and then be able to play, or to pack his backpack before going to bed. These types of instructions facilitate coexistence and promote family harmony.

Listen to your son

If your child shows little or no interest in the entrusted activity, it may be because he has other preferences. It is ideal that you talk with your child about their dreams and passions, to find out if what they are doing will provide valuable contributions to their growth. This way you can ensure that they do not assume commitments beyond their possibilities. And you can also accompany him by doing family activities that make them happy.

Teach the value of patience

Rewarding the child as soon as he asks for something does not help him appreciate the value of things and he  will get used to immediate satisfaction. Therefore, if they do not learn to be patient, they will also not know how to deal with the frustrations of not being able to fulfill their desires.

Promotes the good use of electronic devices and the Internet

The distraction offered by the Internet and electronic devices, such as cell phones and television, can have a negative influence on the child when it comes to doing homework or other activities that are less enjoyable. In the same order of ideas as the first recommendation. Setting times to surf the internet or enjoy your favorite show will help prevent procrastination.

Break up large tasks

Sometimes anxiety invades us when the task at hand is extensive, which can mean that it is also or becomes tedious. These types of activities can overwhelm the child, make him feel afraid to take up the challenge and end up putting it off. So, it is advisable to start big tasks little by little and divide it into stages.

Additional considerations

The education of the child is a continuous and infinite process, and the time you dedicate will promote the formation of a capable and assertive adult. Although multitasking is a very common practice today, it is proven that humans cannot do more than two tasks well at the same time.

In this sense , you must know how to teach the child to avoid carrying out simultaneous tasks and distractions,  since they can end up becoming enemies of concentration. This way, you can avoid procrastination. 

Establish a distraction-free workplace and avoid providing the child with electronic devices, such as music players, tablets or mobile phones that encourage the child to entertain themselves and not perform the tasks assigned. 

In some very specific cases, simultaneous tasks could be beneficial. However, they usually turn out to be an unnecessary waste of time and energy that does not result in anything profitable. Since generally these are activities carried out without clear objectives. Therefore, it is ideal to teach your child to do one task at a time.