Monday 11 September 2017

Procrastination & Teens

One thing that happens in high school is change. One thing to keep an eye on is anxiety in your child. As the hormones and the workload increase at the same time, it can be difficult to see what is going on. Macquarie University holds fabulous free talks and I attended a brilliant one on procrastination recently. I lamented I didn't bring my child, who is currently needing endless reminders to do their work.

I'm not sure if this entirely fits the reasons why my child is preferring to game over doing school work, but I don't think it hurts to hear what might be an underlying issue, just in case.

The talk, Overcoming Procrastination in Adolescents by Dr Carolyn Anne Schniering in full is linked here. It is well worth a listen. The visual are the powerpoints, so listen to it while cooking or cleaning the bathroom (or driving in the car), you can always pause to look at the bullet points if you want to.

One of the most interesting things she says is that some people will never feel motivated. It's the action that creates the motivation, and leads to more action. I know for me, the blog post due Tuesday, only happens when I start writing because I know I have to post something. I'm not always inspired to write, but usually, once I start, some idea comes. Even if it means I delete what I've just written and start again.

She also states that we need to remember 'States of mind' are temporary. We can work with it - ride the wave of emotion until it subsides. Helen Mirren's 5 rules for a happy life speech says that 'Like a hangover, neither triumph or disaster last forever' same too with these emotions of panic or disengagement.

Basically, the short of it is, start to work often. You can study for a short period, it's the starting to study that rewires the neurons. Make it the habit. The more you start to study, the easier it is to study. The more we face our anxiety and fears, the less power it has. It will subside.

I really loved this talk, and I think she probably hits the underlying issue of what seems to be a pandemic of school refusal and anxiety regarding school work.

Linking this old post because it came up a few times this week so I think the video lecture might be useful for some people. Linking with
Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

18 comments:

  1. This is so true. The more I do the more motivated I get. I constantly keep a track of my kids for that reason - keep them moving, even slowly in a positive direction as it just creates momentum. #teamIBOT

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  2. I agree! It's the starting that's the hard bit!

    Ingrid
    http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au

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  3. I found this post very interesting as we are facing some issues with getting one of our children back into school and focussing on work again, after a long term illness. Little and often is the general feedback I'm hearing to get her back into the practise of things. Thank you for sharing and linking to #GlobalBlogging

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  4. I learned this back in teacher's college a million years ago. I dreaded starting assignments and they would loom large. But then I realise just making a start - even if it was just half an hour - reduced it to a much more manageable task!

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  5. I agree, starting is the hardest part. I find it really hard to concentrate and really easy to procrastinate but I agree, starting to work is a great habit. Those talks sound fab - will check out when I get home.

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  6. Interesting read and sounds really helpful X #dreamteam

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  7. Love this quote 'Like a hangover, neither triumph or disaster last forever' - such wise and wonderful words. As a parent of three teens, I found this post very interesting. Good advice re the starting to study and the firing of neurons. Thats the hardest thing the starting but little steps make for big headway in the long run hopefully. Thank you for sharing #DreamTeam

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  8. Ah I'm dealing with two teens at the moment. Their brains don't really develop until early 20's so I'm practicing patience at the moment haha!

    Elf x
    www.elfeelgoodsvintage.uk
    #twinklytuesday

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  9. That's very true of motivation. I find that the more days I work, the more I want to get done. #stayclassymama

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  10. Yes! I think this is so true. It's that little bit at the beginning that feels hard, but once we start whatever it is, it never feels so bad in the end. Fab post! #dreamteam x

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  11. Thanks for sharing the link. I always tell my kids, "Nike!" You have to just do it. Oftentimes easier said than done and maybe sometimes not that helpful, but that's what it really boils down to.

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  12. Lydia,

    Getting started in the biggest, hardest hurdle. Once you're over it then the rest becomes a bit easier until the habit is solid. Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!

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  13. That is a great tip and so true. It really is the beginning that is the most difficult part. Once can get past that, it would all be better.

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  14. This was very much needed! I have been feeling quite anxious lately and these words have helped, you're right it doesn't last forever it will pass. Thanks for sharing with #StayClassyMama!

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  15. Well timed post as children (and adults) gear up for a change of pace as they head back to school and familiar routines (in the UK). I wonder if being away from school work so long will have an impact on motivation? I suspect some children will relish getting back to it.

    Katrina x
    #KCACOLS

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  16. All children are different but mostly my high school students seem excited to return to their studies!

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  17. Totally agree, for me I'm OK once I get started it's the getting going I struggle with and do does my daughter too! #KCACOLS

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  18. Sometimes the biggest step is always the hardest, but like you said as soon as you push yourself we are capable of bigger things. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.

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