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112 Why Procrastination Isn’t “Just” Laziness
Manage episode 484876274 series 3450867
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Is your child refusing to start their homework, melting down when asked to pack a backpack, or avoiding simple tasks? It might look like laziness—but it’s not.
In this episode, Andi Clark breaks down what’s really going on beneath procrastination. Hint: it’s not about effort or motivation. It’s about executive functioning struggles—and missing foundational skills most people don’t talk about.
You'll walk away with a new lens for understanding your child’s behavior, insights on how to reduce shame and frustration, and actionable first steps to break the cycle of procrastination.
Key Takeaways:
- Procrastination is not laziness—it’s often a sign of overwhelmed executive functioning.
- Skills like initiation, working memory, time awareness, emotional regulation, and flexibility all play a role.
- Pushing harder or offering rewards won’t work unless the root cause is addressed.
- There is no one-size-fits-all solution—support needs to match your child’s specific gaps.
- Using the right scaffolding and starting with small wins can rebuild confidence and momentum.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] – Introduction: Why procrastination isn’t laziness
[00:01:00] – What executive functioning really is
[00:03:00] – Real-life examples: Andi’s son and homework meltdowns
[00:05:00] – Breakdown of key executive functioning skills that affect procrastination
[00:08:00] – How time perception and emotional regulation influence task avoidance
[00:10:00] – Observing your child’s patterns and asking the right questions
[00:11:00] – The shame cycle of procrastination and how it snowballs
[00:12:00] – Why planners, timers, and charts often don’t work
[00:15:00] – The fire analogy: Flames, logs, and kindling in EF support
[00:17:00] – Questions to help identify where your child’s breakdown is happening
[00:18:00] – Why patching top-level behaviors won’t work without a foundation
[00:20:00] – How to offer real support: Start with one EF skill, build small wins
[00:22:00] – Reframing procrastination as a skill gap, not a character flaw
[00:23:00] – Next steps: Self-assessment, Support Circle, and 1:1 coaching options
You’re not alone in this—understanding what’s really behind your child’s procrastination is the first step toward creating more calm, connection, and progress at home.
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