Procrastination is a negative trait and we, as adults, are all too familiar with the ramifications of procrastination in many aspects of grown-up life. For example, procrastination can have a very negative effect in the workplace because procrastination causes delays that could mean lost revenue. The habit of procrastination begins in childhood when the child is still in his developmental stage. This is the stage when his environment both inside and outside the home helps mold his personality and his traits. If the child grows up without proper guidance from his parents and elders and does not grow up knowing about the importance of rules then he can grow up with negative habits can affect his ability to form relationships or function effectively in different social situations, including work. If you see your child showing that he has acquired potentially bad habits then you should intervene and guide him.
To help your child remove his procrastinating habits you should show yourself as a good role model. Your child will absorb whatever it is that he sees in his environment and he will most likely emulate it. Set a good example to your kids by showing them that time is important. Always be on time and show that schedules need to be followed and that appointment times are set in stone and not just a suggestion. You can reinforce this by setting exact times and following it. For example, if you want to go to the mall, tell your kids that you will be leaving the house at an appointed time. They should be aware of the time and be ready when the time arrives or you will postpone the trip. It may sound harsh but you should mean business when it comes to inculcating positive values to your children.
Take the time to tell your child why being on time is very important. Tell him that being late means missing out on many opportunities and it will only lead to more problems. Tell him that doing things immediately so that it can be finished early will mean an easier time in the end and he can also regain more time to do other things. Make him understand that valuing time is a sign of being responsible and that this is a trait that will have a lot of positive benefits when he grows up.
Lastly, if you see that your child is developing procrastinating habits. Nip it in the bud. Immediately address the problem by talking to your child and telling him that it is a negative behavior that needs to be stopped immediately.
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