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Preventing Procrastination

© Bonny Yokeley

“Mrs. Yokeley, could you help me find a book on Japanese-Americans?” asked Jean, an outgoing freshman I’ve known through my niece.

“Sure thing. Let’s start at the computer card catalog and see what’s available,” I responded as she looked around the library in awe. We rifled through a variety of history books and found one that suited her – full of information but not too large to hide in her backpack so to not look “uncool” walking down the hall. However, when it came time to check out her book, she realized her school identification card was at home. "No problem,” I stated. “The librarian can reserve it for you until the morning. When is your project due?”

“Fourth period today.”

It was already 40 minutes into fifth period.

If you’ve never seen your child pull off a similar stunt, you are very fortunate. As students enter high school, an important stepping stone for college and the career world, teachers try to instill study habits and organizational skills that will allow them to succeed in life. Unfortunately, during the very time they should be preparing for adult responsibilities, they are bombarded with much more seemingly exciting situations like dating and driving. So, how do we ensure that our children succeed while relinquishing some responsibility onto them?

All too often parents of sophomores have shared with me their dilemma of balancing responsibilities with support. Many hesitate stepping in for fear that they may seem too controlling and won’t teach their child responsibility. This situation reminds me of teaching someone to drive a car. We would never hand a novice the keys to a new car and tell them to drive on the freeway during a rainy morning rush hour commute by themselves. We would first show them how to get the feel of the breaks and accelerator, how to check the rearview mirror and use the turn indicators, etc. Eventually, we will let them drive on busier streets while nervously sitting in the passenger seat. Only after they have proven to be confident and careful do we trust them to drive by themselves whether it is when the first turn 16 or when they are in their twenties. So, why not follow this approach with study habits? Let’s not throw them into a busy freeway rather guide them down a safe street.

1. Assignment Books Some students procrastinate because they don’t know how to organize themselves or plan ahead. I suggest purchasing an assignment book at an office supply store – one that is small and flat enough so your child is willing to carry it around. Some schools even offer these organizers free of charge or for a nominal fee. However, purchasing this product is not enough. Show your child how to write assignments in it every day. You may even see if his/her teachers would initial it on a daily or weekly basis. You will need to check it every evening. Not only does this practice teach organizational skills, it also gives teachers an opportunity to communicate with you.