Inspiring Your Child to Avoid Procrastinating
No one wants to be a nag. But how do you inspire kids to do what they need to do without procrastinating or avoiding the task entirely?
First, recognize that making your child do something he doesn't want to do isn't unfair, it's actually benefiting him.
"Our children will be happier as adults if we give them the tools they need, which include taking initiative, delaying gratification, and learning to follow through," says Harvard professor Dan Kindlon, author of "Too Much of a Good Thing" (Miramax, 2003).
We're not doing our kids any favors when we let them out of chores or other responsibilities, claim parenting experts like Kindlon. Research shows that kids need to learn motivation and how to take responsibility for their actions, or they're at risk for depression and failure as adults.
So when you hear "I'm too tired" or "I'll do it later," offer a sympathetic smile, but explain that we all get tired and that doesn't let us off the hook. Then remind your child again what needs to be done -- remind yourself that you're teaching him an important lesson -- and stick to your guns.
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