Task Initiation

Ever get frustrated with your child for procrastinating? It could be that they have a weak executive skill in task initiation. This is the ability to independently begin a project in a

timely manner and lots of times without reminders. This is especially difficult when the

task seems boring or overwhelming (such as doing homework or

cleaning up the playroom). Sometimes it appears that a child is avoiding doing the work, but generally kids procrastinate because they don't know where to start or they can't seem to find the motivation to get started.

How do I help?

If you want to help your child strengthen the skill of task initiation there are several things you can do.

• use timers - visual timers, like this one, help children understand how much time they have to complete a task, or how long they have until they are done with the activity.

• break the task into smaller steps - breaking the task into smaller, more manageable steps helps them understand how to do start and complete the task

• provide visuals - provide pictures so the child can see exactly what is expected of them.

• provide choices - choices allow children to feel that they have some control of what's going on. For example, ask the child if they want to do reading or math first. If they want to clean up the barbies or the cars first.

• give brain breaks - brain breaks give the child a break and help get blood flowing to the brain. For older children, provide a break every hour. For younger children, provide a break every 15 minutes or so.