Child procrastinating? Why kids struggle with time management

Quick tip 1
Use a visual timer or countdown clock.
Use a visual timer or countdown clock.
Help kids “see” the passage of time on a visual timer or countdown clock. These analog clocks use a colored disc to show how much time is left. They don’t cost very much and may help kids manage their time better than a regular clock.
Quick tip 2
Plan “brain breaks.”
Plan “brain breaks.”
Plan to take a break before frustration or lack of focus sets in. For grade-schoolers, that’s typically after 10 to 15 minutes of work. Older students can work for up to 20 to 30 minutes before a break. Set timers for when to start and end each break.
Quick tip 3
Break tasks into smaller steps.
Break tasks into smaller steps.
Kids who struggle with organization and planning may not know how to get started or what needs to get done to finish a task. Break it down into smaller, sequential chunks. For long-term assignments, make a deadline for each chunk.

Why do some kids put off doing homework until the last minute? Or wait so long to take out the dog that the dog has an accident?

There are lots of reasons kids procrastinate. Some would just rather be doing something else. But for other kids, there’s more to it. They may have trouble with specific skills related to time management.

Doing things on time involves organization and planning. These abilities are part of a set of skills known as executive function. When kids struggle with executive function, it can make it hard for them to manage their time.

Here are three common trouble spots:

Trouble with makes it hard to keep information in mind long enough to plan and complete tasks.
Trouble with focus can sidetrack kids from even starting a task.
Trouble estimating time means some kids aren’t sure what five minutes feels like compared to what 30 minutes feels like. This is especially common in kids with .

Hear from Yasmeen, a “perpetual procrastinator” with ADHD

Challenges in these areas can make it hard to start and complete tasks. Kids may not know how to plan out work or leave enough time. Keep reading to learn how you can help kids with time management.

Dive deeper

Look for patterns in how kids procrastinate

If you observe and take notes, you may pick up on patterns in how kids procrastinate. These patterns can help you understand why they’re procrastinating.

Here are common patterns you might see:

Starting a task and then waiting until the last minute to finish
Taking a break and losing track of time while doing something fun
Avoiding a task because it’s hard to get started or because one of the steps is hard
Saying a task is already done when it isn’t
Saying a task won’t take very long, so it’s OK to do it later
Often running late and taking a long time to get tasks done

As patterns start to emerge, talk with kids, teachers, and caregivers. See if they’re noticing something similar. Together, you can start to look for ways to help.

Find out if homework anxiety is behind kids' procrastination.

Don’t assume kids are lazy

Some people see kids procrastinate and assume it’s laziness. That can make kids feel bad about themselves. This is especially true for kids who learn and think differently.

Kids who struggle in school may put off a task because it involves something that’s hard for them. For example, a struggling reader may keep pushing off a reading assignment.

Get tips for showing empathy when kids are struggling, and learn about the brain science behind why some kids have trouble starting tasks.

About Understood

Child procrastinating? Why kids struggle with time management

Quick tip 1

Use a visual timer or countdown clock.

Use a visual timer or countdown clock.

Quick tip 2

Plan “brain breaks.”

Plan “brain breaks.”

Quick tip 3

Break tasks into smaller steps.

Break tasks into smaller steps.

Which of these is your main concern?

Dive deeper

Look for patterns in how kids procrastinate

Don’t assume kids are lazy

More ways to help

Share

Explore related topics

About Understood

Quick tips to help kids with time management

Quick tip 1

Use a visual timer or countdown clock.

Use a visual timer or countdown clock.

Which of these is your main concern?

Dive deeper

Look for patterns in how kids procrastinate

Don’t assume kids are lazy

More ways to help

Share

Explore related topics

Read next

Learning and thinking differences that cause trouble with time management

7 reasons kids with ADHD often rush through homework

Why kids with executive function challenges have trouble with planning