If you’re a parent watching your child avoid their homework, it can feel frustrating—and even a little scary. You know they want to do well. You’ve seen how proud and energized they are when they succeed. But somehow, the work keeps piling up, and the stress keeps growing. Like many parents, you may find yourself asking, “how can I help my child stop procrastinating?”
Here’s the good news: procrastination isn’t a sign that your child is lazy or doesn’t care. It’s usually a sign that they’re struggling with the “housekeeping” of school: organizing, planning, and getting started. These are skills that can be taught and practiced—and with the right support, your child can learn to break the cycle of avoidance and feel confident again. Ahead, we’ll break down why kids procrastinate, how procrastination feeds anxiety, and what parents can do to help their kids feel motivated again.
Why Do Kids Procrastinate?
Many bright, motivated kids put off their work—not because they don’t want to succeed, but because school demands can feel overwhelming. Some of the common reasons why students procrastinate include:
- Trouble getting started. Even when they know what to do, taking the first step can feel impossible without a clear plan.
- Feeling overwhelmed by big projects. Large assignments can seem so daunting that avoiding them feels safer.
- Difficulty managing time. Some students lose track of how much time has passed or how much time they need, leading to last-minute panic.
- Perfectionism and fear of failure. When kids care deeply about doing well, they can freeze up trying to make everything “just right.”
It’s no wonder that homework becomes a source of dread instead of accomplishment.
Procrastination Feeds Anxiety
At first, putting off schoolwork can feel like a relief. But soon, the anxiety creeps in:
“What if I can’t get this done in time?”
“I’m going to disappoint my teacher.”
“I’ll never catch up.”
This anxiety makes it even harder to get started, creating a cycle of avoidance and self-doubt. And left unchecked, these feelings can translate into bigger issues, like chronic absenteeism. Research shows that the second biggest reason kids miss school is because of anxiety—second only to the weather. And stress can weigh heavily on students’ wellbeing; according to a CDC survey in 2023, 40 percent of students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023, while 29 percent experienced poor mental health. The message couldn’t be clearer: students need support now more than ever. And as a parent, one of the easiest ways you can help break the cycle of procrastination and anxiety is to simply start talking about it.
It’s Normal to Feel Anxious About School
If your child feels stressed, anxious, or resistant to schoolwork, let them know that this is completely normal. Remind them that everyone experiences these feelings, not just in school but in their professional and personal lives. Learning to handle pressure—and sitting with tasks you don’t really want to do—is an important part of growing up! It helps build the muscles of emotional regulation and resilience, skills your child will use not just in school, but in every area of life.
As parents, one of the most powerful things you can do is create space to talk openly about these feelings. Regularly check in with your child about how school feels for them: What assignments feel hardest? What subjects make them feel confident? What makes them excited to learn, and what feels discouraging? These conversations can help you better understand your child’s inner world—and remind them that they are not alone.
You might even find that casually talking about the tasks you procrastinate on (but ultimately accomplish) helps to set a positive example for your child. As you’re going about your day you might mention a chore you’ve been avoiding, like weeding the garden, organizing the closet, or running a dreaded errand. Once you check that chore off your list, talk about how good it feels to be done with it. Sharing your internal dialogue around procrastination (no matter how small the task) doesn’t just normalize stress for your kids, it demonstrates resilience and accountability.
Your Child Wants to Succeed
It’s important to remember that your child does care about school. They feel proud when they do well and want to be seen as capable. But when the process of organizing, planning, and starting isn’t working, it drains their motivation and confidence. The truth is, these executive function skills—like time management, task initiation, and breaking big projects into smaller steps—are just that: skills. And skills can be learned.
How Uluru Helps Break the Cycle
Here’s where Uluru comes in. Uluru is an executive function coaching app designed to give students the tools, strategies, and encouragement they need to get unstuck and stay motivated. Here’s how Uluru supports students in building healthier habits:
- Structure and clarity: Uluru guides students step-by-step to set goals, plan tasks, and track progress so work feels less overwhelming.
- Better routines: The app helps students build daily habits that make it easier to start (and finish) assignments. It also prompts students to check in with their emotions around school and assignments.
- Positive accountability: Uluru keeps students on track with reminders and encouragement, so you don’t have to be the homework manager.
- More confidence and independence: As students experience small wins, they build momentum and start to trust their own abilities.
Procrastination doesn’t have to define your child’s academic journey. With the right scaffolding, any student has the capacity to thrive.
Helping Your Child Feel Capable Again
Every student deserves to feel successful and proud of their work. With tools like Uluru, your child can learn how to stay organized, reduce anxiety, and feel confident tackling assignments.
Remember: procrastination is a habit—but it’s one that can be changed. With compassion, structure, and open conversations about feelings, your child can break the cycle and rediscover the joy of learning.
Learn more about how Uluru can help your student thrive: theuluru.com
