I’m in the midst of a writing program and am revisiting a piece about my own struggle with ADHD and this popped into my head–there are all kinds of reasons kids don’t turn in their work on time, or at all, in some cases. They are all usually labeled “lazy” by teachers. As I look at my own story, I remembered being called lazy in second grade when I was really trying. So I know how painful that label can be.
I never, or almost never, turned work in late, though. By the time I got to sixth grade, I was in full stress mode, and it may well have happened sooner than that. There was pressure and expectations at home and for some reason, maybe internalizing a notion of success I interpreted as theirs, I was my own (best? worst?) slave driver and I couldn’t stand to get work in late. Because it was never easy for me either, I guess I don’t understand why kids don’t do their work on time. I hated homework, too, but I did it anyway.
Still, I’m left wondering as I explore my own difficulties, and I have more sympathy.
Why do kids avoid assignments?
- seems too difficult or overwhelming and they cannot get started
- the work is boring and they are not used to making themselves face boredom
- they are distracted by things they have to do or think they have to do–they work, babysit siblings, take care of responsibilities at home
- they don’t think it is important
- they hope if they ignore it, it will go away
- when they think about school work it makes them stressed out
- perfectionism–cannot start because they are afraid it won’t be perfect
- lose themselves in other enticing activities–tv, internet, texting, gaming
- are overscheduled and are tired when it’s time to do work
- are underscheduled and have no structured time to do school work
- lazy?
What does it mean to be lazy? To avoid difficult tasks or those that require energy? To avoid tasks that are not fun? To lie around and do nothing?