How can I help my child get organized and stay motivated in school?

Question

My child struggles to keep up with assignments, often forgets due dates, and waits until the last minute to study. I’ve tried planners and reminders, but nothing seems to stick. What can I do?

Answer 1

📅 1. Build a Simple, Consistent Routine

Kids thrive with predictable schedules. Set regular times for homework, breaks, and study. This helps create habits that don’t rely on willpower alone.

📝 2. Use Visual Tools That Work for Your Child

Planners and reminders are great—but only if they’re easy to use and fit your child’s style. Try:

1. A colorful calendar on the wall
2. Sticky notes in key places
3. Digital apps with alerts (if they like tech)

Make it fun and interactive so it feels less like a chore.

⏳ 3. Break Tasks into Small, Manageable Steps

Large assignments or studying can feel overwhelming. Help your child divide work into smaller chunks with mini-deadlines. Celebrate each small success!

🎯 4. Connect Motivation to Interests and Goals

Find out what excites your child or what they want to achieve. Linking schoolwork to their interests or future goals helps make motivation more meaningful.

👩‍🏫 5. Provide Support and Accountability

Sometimes kids need a little extra help staying on track. As a tutor, I work with students to build personalized organization skills and motivation strategies—plus regular check-ins to keep momentum going.

📩 Feel free to reach out if you want guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs! Message Michele by scrolling to the bottom of her profile page.

Answer 2

This is one of the most common challenges I hear from parents, and it usually points to a need for support in executive functioning, not just time management.

Many students have the intention to stay on track but lack the strategies to do it consistently. What they need is a system that matches their personality and routine. I work with students to build simple, repeatable habits around task tracking, study blocks, and planning that actually work for them. This may include weekly check-ins, digital planners, visual reminders, or even breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps with deadlines built in.

The key is consistency, not perfection. With structured coaching and accountability, students can learn how to take ownership of their time and tasks. Once they start seeing progress, motivation often follows naturally