Think You Have a ‘Lazy’ Kid? Here’s What’s Really Happening

Ever found yourself putting things off for later, even when you know you shouldn't? Yup, that's procrastination. In today's episode, we break down why all of us, including teenagers, tend to postpone certain tasks, and what can be done to address this. Many people, parents included, often think of procrastination as nothing more than a delay tactic or that it’s simply the result of being lazy or forgetful. But procrastination is far more complex than that. It can be a coping mechanism to help you deal with difficult emotions or avoid the pressure of perfectionism. It can even signal something more serious, like depression or anxiety. But there is hope! Join us today as we lay out actionable strategies; from understanding the heart of procrastination to embracing mindfulness, time-blocking, and crafting procrastination-resistant environments. Remember, change isn't always a straight path, but with commitment and the right tools, you can guide your teen toward a more productive, delay-free life!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:02:20] What procrastination is and why we do it.
• [0:04:20] The most common things teens procrastinate about.
• [0:06:06] Why procrastination can often be a warning sign of something else.
• [0:07:11] Chronic procrastination and its side effects.

• [0:07:49] How perfectionism can lead to procrastination.

• [0:08:52] Thinking of procrastination as an addiction cycle.

• [0:10:23] How you can help your kid become more resilient.

• [0:12:26] Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up if your kid is a procrastinator.

• [0:14:13] Effective strategies for helping teenagers with procrastination habits.

• [0:16:58] How to help kids develop strategies to combat procrastination.

• [0:21:40] Why positive reinforcement is much more effective than criticism.

• [0:22:59] Collaborating on creating an environment that prevents procrastination.

• [0:26:08] How to address the conflict caused by procrastination.

• [0:27:27] Time blindness, and tips on how to time block.

• [0:30:39] The value of asking questions and being curious.

• [0:34:05] How bad responses from teachers can discourage kids from asking questions.

• [0:36:02] Self-regulation and how to use habit stacking.
• [0:37:45] Normalizing procrastination and a reminder that changing your habits takes time!

Time Blocking Apps:

Forest 

Freedom

FocusMe

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram