Did you know that procrastinating teens hold off on their tasks because they feel overwhelmed? Have you seen your child wait until the last minute before starting and trying to finish particular work and responsibilities? If it frequently happens, it could be a sign of procrastination that you need to address.
Procrastination happens when a person tends to delay or put off tasks until the minute or past the deadline. Experts say that it could be a form of self-regulation failure, characterised by the unreasonable delay of tasks. People delay doing certain things that they need to do despite its potential negative consequences.
Unfortunately, procrastination is widespread among teenagers nowadays. There are various reasons why teens nowadays tend to procrastinate. Keep reading to know more about procrastination and how to address it.
In this article, you'll read:
- What Parents Need To Know About Procrastination
- 5 Tips To Keep Your Teens From Procrastinating Their Tasks
What Parents Need To Know About Procrastination
In simple terms, procrastination can be described as the action of delaying or postponing something. On a deeper level, experts say that procrastination also involves a degree of self-deception.
People who procrastinate are aware of their actions and their consequences. However, they have changing habits that require even greater effort than completing the task in front of them.
On the other hand, most teens often struggle with the overwhelming transition of puberty. This also affects the way they handle their studies because they realise the seriousness of the future as they approach the time to enter university. In turn, they end up procrastinating as they stress over their future.
Why Do People Procrastinate?
There are various reasons why people tend to procrastinate. Some procrastinate because they do not know what needs to be done or how to do something. Some simply do not want to do things and do not care if it gets done.
For most procrastinators, delaying tasks until the last minute has become a habit, believing that they work better under pressure. However, some are still forgetful and lack the initiative to get things started.
What Are the Negative Impacts of Procrastination?
The only time procrastination could significantly affect an individual's life is when the condition becomes more serious. Unfortunately, it is not just because of poor time management skills; it is a significant part of their lifestyle.
Sadly, procrastination could affect various aspects of a person's life, including social and mental health. Here are the negative impacts of procrastination:
- Increased strain on personal and social relationships
- Higher levels of illness and stress
- Resentment from friends, family, and fellow students
5 Tips To Keep Your Teens From Procrastinating Their Tasks
One of the struggles of many parents towards their kids nowadays is the matter of priorities. Parents and children, especially teenagers, have different priorities.
Fortunately, there are things that parents can do to make their kids more responsible regarding their tasks and duties. Here are some tips you can do to keep your teens from procrastinating on what needs to be done:
Turn Over the Responsibilities to Your Child
Not every teenager is very motivated to do chores and homework, but there is nothing much for you to worry about. People, especially parents, can help and encourage teens to become motivated.
Parents must help children develop a sense of responsibility and empowerment by turning over their duties. It would be better if sometimes, they could receive certain rewards for accomplishing things alone.
Make Your Expectations Clear
It can never be considered bad parenting when you set certain expectations for your child and make them clear. Having clear expectations regarding chores and getting good grades are examples of reasonable things parents should do.
It could be unfair for parents to have no expectations for their children during their teenage years. Setting reasonable expectations is just normal for all parents.
Expect Them to Fulfill Their Promises
When your child becomes older and surpasses their teenage phase, they will start working and entering into serious relationships. Once they reach this point, people expect them to honour their commitments.
It is a skill that every individual should learn, and it would be better if your teen learned it from you. This is why you must expect them to do what they say they will do.
Allow Them to Decide When to Accomplish Their Task
Let your teenage child set the time to accomplish their goals. While you sometimes see your child look unmotivated, still, it is not a good idea for parents to manage their time for their children.
Allowing them to decide when to accomplish their goals puts a responsibility on them to honour their commitments. This also helps them learn to solve their own problems without help from their parents.
Ensure That Their Excuses Are Reasonable
It is common for children, especially teenagers, to make excuses when they are not getting things done. However, it is one of the parent's responsibility to make their children's reasons valid.
They need to realise that it is essential for them to take care of their commitments. You also need to stress why keeping promises are important. Meanwhile, you can set a good example of this by taking your vows to them seriously.