Procrastination plagues countless adults and children but being able to initiate tasks is a critical skill. Naturally it is easier for us to begin tasks we enjoy, but when faced with chores and homework, starting can be difficult or impossible.
Signs Your Child Struggles with Task Initiation
If your child has difficulty with any of the following areas (organized by grade level), they may have task initiation challenges:
Preschool/Kindergarten
- Following directions immediately after they are given
- Stopping play to follow directions
- Preparing for bed at a set time with only one reminder
First-Third Grade
- Remembering and following one to two-step routines
- Beginning classroom assignments immediately after directions
- Starting homework at a set time with only one prompt
Fourth-Fifth Grade
- Following three to four-step routines with practice
- Completing multiple classroom assignments in a row
- Adhering to an established homework schedule
Sixth-Eighth Grade
- Creating and following a nightly homework schedule
- Starting chores at an agreed upon time
- Following through on commitments despite more exciting options
Strategies to Address Task Initiation Challenges
The following strategies can be implemented to help your child if they struggle with task initiation:
- Set up a reward system where your child receives an incentive any time they begin a task within three minutes of being told
- Use visual cues (e.g., a written note on the counter) to remind your child to begin tasks
- Break overwhelming tasks into smaller pieces
- Allow your child to develop a plan for how they will complete chores or homeworkÂ
- Have your child identify how they would like to be reminded to begin tasks
By following these strategies, you can help your child improve their ability to independently begin chores and homework.
Reference:
Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.