When a task, even a simple task, is uninteresting or boring, it can lead to procrastination. A tween is especially susceptible to procrastination because she is at the age where more responsibility can be expected of her around the house and at school. It's not uncommon for a tween to want to procrastinate, but there are ways to help her overcome it.
Develop Routines in the Home
Kids thrive on routines. Be clear about what is expected from a child, and do not waiver from enforcing that the routine is followed. Likewise, be realistic with a routine that is set. When a tween knows her responsibilities and understands when task need to be done, she is more likely not to procrastinate. Common routines in a household for the tween age group include:
- Wake up time
- Breakfast time
- School time
- Homework time
- Chore time
- Dinner time
- Bath time
- Bed time
Of course, individual families will have times for play incorporated throughout each day. Weekends may be set aside for chores, or chores may be done on a daily basis.
Practice Making Tasks Easier
Explain that certain actions make responsibilities easier when done on an ongoing basis. For example, clearing the dinner table as soon as dinner is over is a lot easier than having to do it at night when it is time for bed. Hanging up a jacket when entering the house is so much easier than picking up three jackets lying around after a few days. Help tweens develop the habit of doing things right away, so they seem routine to break the habit of procrastination.
Provide Rewards for Getting Tasks Done
Give a tween a little nudge when it comes to getting things done. Offering a reward does not have to be elaborate. Something as simple as a small allowance might do the trick to get a child moving and shaking.
Make Tasks Fun
Let your tween listen to her favorite music while she is in the bath tub or doing chores. There is nothing wrong with this technique to avoid procrastination. Of course, a child needs to understand that not every responsibility will be fun, but that does not mean it can be put off.
Procrastination is something that can easily follow a tween into adulthood. With a little help and practice, a child can overcome it. Be a good example around the house, and avoid procrastinating, so a tween can see how easy it is to just get things done.
Find more Parenting Tweens articles on Suite101.
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