News Detail
Daisies in the Middle
Welcome to Daisies in the Middle, a space created especially for parents and guardians of middle school students here at Hockaday.
Procrastination
This month’s article explores the topic of procrastination—the act of delaying a task despite being aware of potential negative consequences. Is procrastination inherently bad? Like many behaviors, the answer depends on context. For some, a little pressure can enhance focus and productivity. However, for many students, procrastination can stem from underlying patterns such as all-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, or ineffective time management.
Procrastination
This month’s article explores the topic of procrastination—the act of delaying a task despite being aware of potential negative consequences. Is procrastination inherently bad? Like many behaviors, the answer depends on context. For some, a little pressure can enhance focus and productivity. However, for many students, procrastination can stem from underlying patterns such as all-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, or ineffective time management.
All-or-Nothing Thinking
Students may avoid starting a task if they feel they can’t complete it in one sitting or aren’t “in the right mindset.”
Strategy: Encourage your daughter to break larger tasks into smaller, manageable sections. Even brief progress builds momentum.
Students may avoid starting a task if they feel they can’t complete it in one sitting or aren’t “in the right mindset.”
Strategy: Encourage your daughter to break larger tasks into smaller, manageable sections. Even brief progress builds momentum.
Perfectionism
A desire for flawless performance can create anxiety that prevents students from starting or completing a task.
Strategy: Model and reinforce positive self-talk. Remind your daughter that progress, not perfection, is the goal. Encourage her to talk with a trusted adult if she feels overwhelmed.
A desire for flawless performance can create anxiety that prevents students from starting or completing a task.
Strategy: Model and reinforce positive self-talk. Remind your daughter that progress, not perfection, is the goal. Encourage her to talk with a trusted adult if she feels overwhelmed.
Time Management
Balancing multiple assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular commitments can make it tempting to postpone work.
Strategies:
Balancing multiple assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular commitments can make it tempting to postpone work.
Strategies:
- Clarify when each task must be completed.
- Estimate the time required to complete each task.
- Schedule dedicated time for work—study hall is a great opportunity.
- Break longer projects into smaller, achievable steps.
By helping our Hockadaisies understand the why behind their procrastination and equipping them with practical strategies, we can support them in building confidence, balance, and healthy academic habits.
With gratitude,
Ms. Hall
Middle School Counselor & Counseling Department Chair
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.