Getting children ready in the morning can sometimes feel like a test of patience. You ask them to brush their teeth, get dressed and comb their hair. They say they will do it, but a few minutes later, you find them playing with a toy or doing something completely different. So you repeat the instructions, only to find yourself reminding them again.
Research published in Developmental Psychology in 2023 examined procrastination among children aged three to six. Based on parents’ reports, younger children often delayed everyday routines and cleaning up, while older children were also reported to put off chores and schoolwork. There is another reason a child may leave a task unfinished. They might remember exactly what they need to do but simply prefer doing something else. This behaviour is known as procrastination. It involves delaying an intended task even when there is a reason to complete it. The research explored how procrastination relates to developing abilities such as executive functioning and thinking about the future. These skills help children manage their actions, stay focused and work towards a goal. For parents, making routine activities more enjoyable may be one way to encourage cooperation. Brushing teeth can become a short game, while getting dressed can turn into a race against a favourite song. Giving children a choice between two outfits or allowing them to complete a small task independently can also make them feel more involved. The idea is not to turn every responsibility into a reward-based activity. Rather, making an otherwise dull task more interesting may help children approach it with greater enthusiasm.
Before assuming that a child is being careless or deliberately ignoring you, it is worth understanding how memory develops during early childhood. Psychologists explain that remembering to complete a task later is a skill children are still learning. Knowing what they have to do does not always mean they can remember to do it at the right time. This ability is called prospective memory. It helps us remember future intentions, from taking something to school to completing a routine before leaving the house. For young children, managing these small responsibilities can be surprisingly challenging. Children also need opportunities to understand why certain tasks must be completed before something else happens. Parents can encourage this by asking simple questions about situations they may face later. Before leaving home, for example, ask, “What might you need if it gets cold? Instead of packing everything for a child, parents can ask what should go into the schoolbag. Such conversations encourage children to think about what may happen next and prepare for it.
Make the next step easier for children to notice
Sometimes, the solution may lie in changing the surroundings rather than repeating instructions. When children can see the things they need, it may become easier for them to remember the next step in their routine. Parents can try keeping the toothbrush in an easy-to-reach place, setting out clothes before bedtime or placing the schoolbag near the door. A chart with simple pictures showing the morning routine can also help children understand what comes next.