Written by Amanda Nolan, AMFT Love Your Story Christian Counseling Services

Hi there! My name is Amanda Nolan, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and my goal is to support students and their families in navigating the challenges of procrastination. Together, we can create an environment where students not only complete their homework but also thrive academically, emotionally, and personally.

I’ve seen firsthand how homework can become a source of tension within families. It’s not uncommon for students to procrastinate, finding every possible reason to avoid their assignments. Whether it’s due to feeling overwhelmed, bored, or simply not understanding the value of the work, procrastination can lead to a cycle of frustration, stress, and incomplete tasks. However, with the right strategies and understanding, we can help students overcome procrastination and develop healthy homework habits.

Understanding the Root of Procrastination

Procrastination is often misunderstood as laziness, but it’s much more complex than that. For many students, procrastination is a coping mechanism—a way to avoid negative emotions associated with their homework. These emotions might include anxiety about not being able to complete the task well, boredom with the subject matter, or a sense of being overwhelmed by the amount of work. By delaying the task, students temporarily relieve these feelings. However, this relief is short-lived, and the stress usually intensifies as deadlines approach.

It’s also important to recognize that procrastination can be linked to a variety of underlying issues. For example, a student who struggles with perfectionism might avoid starting their homework because they fear not doing it perfectly. Similarly, a student with attention difficulties might find it hard to focus on the task, leading to avoidance. Understanding the root cause of procrastination is the first step in addressing it effectively.

Strategies to Encourage Homework Completion

1. Create a Consistent Routine

Routine is key when it comes to overcoming procrastination. Establishing a consistent homework routine helps students develop the habit of starting their work at the same time each day. This reduces the mental effort required to get started and creates a sense of structure and predictability. Encourage your student(s) to choose a time that works best for them. Some students may prefer to start their homework right after school, while others might benefit from a short break before diving in. Whatever the timing, consistency is crucial.

To make the routine more effective, involve your student in the process of creating it. Allow them to have a say in how their homework time is structured. This sense of ownership can increase their motivation to stick to the routine. You might also consider incorporating elements of a ritual, such as setting up a specific workspace, gathering supplies, or starting with a few minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to help them transition into “homework mode.”

2. Break Down Large Tasks into Manageable Steps

Large assignments can be overwhelming, leading to avoidance. When students see a big project as one massive task, it can feel insurmountable. One effective strategy is to help your student break down their homework into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if they have a history project, break it down into steps such as “research three sources,” “write the introduction,” “create the presentation slides,” and so on. This approach makes the work feel less daunting and provides a sense of accomplishment with each small step completed.

Breaking tasks into smaller steps also allows for more frequent feedback and opportunities for positive reinforcement. When students complete each step, they can see their progress, which can be highly motivating. It also helps them develop time management skills, as they learn to allocate time to different parts of a project rather than trying to tackle it all at once.

3. Set Clear Goals and Pair Them with Rewards

Goal-setting is a powerful tool for overcoming procrastination. Help your student set specific, achievable goals for each homework session. These goals should be clear and measurable, such as “complete two math problems,” “write one paragraph for the essay,” or “study for 20 minutes.” When students know exactly what they need to accomplish, it’s easier for them to stay focused.

Pairing these goals with rewards can enhance motivation. The rewards don’t have to be extravagant—sometimes, a simple reward like a short break, a favorite snack, or 15 minutes of free time can be enough to keep a student on track. The key is to choose rewards that are meaningful to your student. Over time, this system can help students build positive associations with completing their homework, making it less of a chore and more of a rewarding experience.

4. Create a Distraction-Free Environment

In our increasingly digital world, distractions are everywhere. From smartphones to social media to the constant ping of notifications, it can be challenging for students to focus on their homework. Creating a distraction-free environment is crucial for productivity. Work with your student to find a quiet, dedicated space where they can concentrate on their work. This space should be free from distractions, including unnecessary electronics.

Encourage your student to put their phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode, use apps that block distracting websites, or even set a timer for focused work periods. For students who struggle with focus, tools like noise-canceling headphones can help create a more conducive study environment. Teaching students to recognize their distractions and take proactive steps to minimize them is an important part of developing self-regulation skills.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator that can help students develop healthy homework habits. Acknowledge and celebrate your student’s efforts, no matter how small. This could be verbal praise, a high-five, or a small reward. The goal is to reinforce the behavior you want to see—namely, starting and completing homework without procrastination.

Statements like “I see how you tackled that math problem, good for you” or “You’re doing a great job, staying focused” can go a long way in building your student’s confidence. When students feel good about their efforts, they’re more likely to repeat the behavior. Over time, this can help shift their mindset from seeing homework as a burden to seeing it as an opportunity to achieve and succeed.

6. Teach Time Management and Prioritization Skills

Time management is a critical skill that students will carry with them throughout their lives. Helping your student develop strong time management skills can significantly reduce procrastination. Start by teaching them to prioritize tasks. Encourage them to list their assignments and rank them by importance or due date. This helps them focus on what needs to be done first, rather than jumping from task to task without a clear plan.

Next, work with your student to estimate how long each task will take and create a homework schedule that allows for breaks. This schedule should be realistic and flexible, allowing them to adjust as needed. Teaching students to break their work into time blocks, such as the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break), can be particularly effective.

7. Address Underlying Issues

Sometimes, persistent procrastination is a sign of deeper issues that need to be addressed. For example, a student might be struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, or a learning difficulty that makes homework more challenging. If you suspect this might be the case, it’s important to address these challenges head-on.

Open communication is key. Create a safe space for your student to express their feelings about homework and any challenges they’re facing. If needed, seek additional academic support or consider professional counseling to help your student develop coping strategies. Addressing these underlying issues not only helps with homework but also contributes to your student’s overall mental well-being.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers



As parents and caregivers, your role in supporting your student’s homework habits is crucial. However, it’s important to strike a balance between providing guidance and allowing your student to take responsibility for their work. While it’s tempting to step in and “fix” things when they procrastinate, it’s more beneficial to empower them to find solutions themselves. This might mean guiding them through the problem-solving process or helping them reflect on what strategies worked and what didn’t.

Remember that patience is key. Changing habits takes time, and there will likely be setbacks along the way. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and continue to encourage your student to persevere. Over time, they’ll develop the skills and confidence they need to manage their homework independently and effectively.

Want to learn more? Book a free 15 minute consultation with me to see how we can work together to support your child today!