It can be challenging to break from procrastination. That’s why I’m giving you a simple process to help your child initiate tasks. You will be teaching them a critical life skill, self-confidence, and a growth mindset.

Here’s my proven process to help kids get going when they are stuck in procrastination mode:  

1. Recognize that many kids simply don’t have the skills to get going. A big job or even a small task can seem overwhelming to them.
2. Work with your child to break down the task into its smallest steps.
3. Ask, “How does doing one small step feel?” If it’s still too hard, tell them they only have to do it for the length of a song or a 5-minute timer. 
4. Remind your child of a time when they independently started something (and finished it!) and it worked out well. Imprint those moments of success by retelling those stories. That will help build your child’s self-belief.
5. Create routines for tasks that are recurring problems. Even if there’s kicking and screaming when you start the routine (i.e., laundry or screen-free Saturday), eventually it will become second nature.