How to Help Children Overcome Procrastination

  1. Be a good role model. Don't procrastinate on daily work
  2. Maintain a daily routine in your family; a time to work, and a time to play
  3. Use visual cues such as a clock with a second hand so that your children can see the time passing
  4. Explain to your young children the steps in a simple and clear way "step one..., step two..."
  5. Teach your children to break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable parts
  6. Put away irrelevant items (e.g., cell phones) to minimise distraction
  7. Set realistic expectations and remind your children "Done is better than perfect"
  8. Praise your children after they complete their tasks


Department of Health / Student Health Service <Parenting Tips Series>

October 2022