Stop the Stalling: How to Help Kids Stop Wasting Time

Tired of hearing "I'll do it later"? For older kids, procrastination often becomes a problem as they start to have more responsibilities and more power over their own time. Happily, you can nip it in the bud before it becomes a lifelong habit by thinking about what's behind the behavior, and trying these strategies.

By Sharlene K. Johnson

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"I don't want to."

Kids often procrastinate for the simple reason that they have different priorities than we do. So if your son's must-do list includes beating his brother's video-game score and doodling dragons on his notebook, studying spelling words and writing birthday thank-you notes are not going to get done without your involvement.

How you can help: Forget about making your child want to do the more important task. Things like good grades and manners are abstract concepts to school-age kids, and no amount of nagging is going to change that. Instead, move the task up on your child's priority list by connecting it to a privilege he values, suggests George M. Kapalka, PhD, author of Parenting Your Out-of-Control Child. For example, if you allow TV and video games only after the day's homework is completed, your child will learn that privileges come with responsible behavior.

Next: "I can't do it."

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