What to Do When Your Child Leaves Everything to the Last Minute
It’s a familiar story for many parents: exams are looming, the revision timetable remains untouched, and your child insists they “work better under pressure.” You try to help, but every suggestion seems to be met with resistance—or worse, a full-blown shutdown.
At Manor Tutoring, we hear this from families all the time. And we’re here to reassure you: your child isn’t lazy, and you’re not failing them. Procrastination is complex, especially for young people juggling school, social life, and the pressure to perform. The good news? There are practical, compassionate ways to help.
Why Students Procrastinate
Procrastination often isn’t about being disorganised—it’s a stress response. Many students put things off because:
They don’t know where to start
The task feels overwhelming
They’re afraid of doing it “wrong”
They struggle with time management or working memory
They’re tired, anxious, or burnt out
These are all issues rooted in executive function—the brain’s ability to plan, prioritise, start tasks, and manage time. At Manor Tutoring, our academic coaches specialise in helping students develop these essential skills, so they can approach their work with more clarity and confidence.
What You Can Do as a Parent
If your child is deep in avoidance mode, here are a few ways to offer support without escalating the stress:
1. Shift the tone from pressure to partnership
Try asking “What part feels hardest to get started with?” rather than “Why haven’t you started revising?” This invites reflection rather than defensiveness.
2. Break it down
Help them split big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. “Revise for history exam” becomes “Review WWI flashcards for 15 minutes.” Starting small builds momentum.
3. Normalise the struggle
Let them know they’re not alone in finding it hard to begin. Even the most capable students need help with structure and accountability—especially during exam season.
4. Create an external scaffold
Set up a quiet study space, co-create a loose plan together, or consider bringing in outside support. Students are often more receptive to structure when it comes from someone outside the parent-child dynamic.
How Manor Tutoring Can Help
Our coaches are more than just subject tutors. We work alongside students to understand what’s getting in the way—be it overwhelm, anxiety, perfectionism, or difficulty focusing—and build strategies that work for them. We help turn last-minute cramming into steady, sustainable progress.
Whether your child needs help getting started, staying organised, or staying calm under pressure, we’re here to support the whole student—not just the exam results.
Want to learn more about how academic coaching can help your child stay on track this exam season? Contact us here.
