Steps to Beating Procrastination
Everyone procrastinates at different points of their life. The same goes for toddlers. In other words procrastination is normal. And it can also be conquered. All that the toddler needs is some sort of a guideline and help from their parents.
Why toddlers procrastinate:
Research has shown that procrastination is born out of poor self confidence, low self esteem, anxiety, guilt and other such negative feelings. And when they witness other kids doing everything properly and on time, it leads to an added belief that procrastination is something they are born with; they take it as some sort of a personality trait or character flaw that cannot be corrected.
Steps to beating the procrastination:
Toddlers usually procrastinate because they are overwhelmed by the amount of tasks they need to complete. Hence, the first step is to select any one task and start working on it. For example if the child has a lot of homework to do, one should help them to select on any one of the subjects and not think about the rest of them at that point of time. This helps them to focus on one thing at a time which is a lot more conquerable than taking up everything at once.
Another reason for procrastination in toddlers is that they do not have a fair idea of how much time the task will take. As a result they never have “much time” to do the work. Hence, after selecting a task, it is necessary to time that task. There should also be no breaks to be taken in the middle of the task. This helps in getting the specific job done and the child also develops a sense of time.
The toddler should be made to understand that the task is by no means a “dress-rehearsal” which they can correct later. Hence, they should focus and get it right in the first attempt. This makes the child give that task its due importance and also stay away from procrastination.
If the task is a huge one, make the child set a goal of completing at least one part of the task and achieve it before retiring for the night. This helps to get the task done and short term goals do not overwhelm the child thereby helping them not to procrastinate.
Most of the time the urge to procrastinate is very strong in the child. In such cases, remind the child of the pile of unfinished work and the sense of guilt that will come with it. It is important to encourage them to procrastinate about the very act of procrastination. It does take a lot of will power, and constant encouragement from the parents which will make it easier for the toddler.
Procrastination is more of a bad habit. It does not change overnight. One needs to start in small proportions and gradually move toward the finish line. An early beginning as a toddler no doubt will lead to a better lifestyle as an adult individual.
