Parent strategies for planning and prioritizing goals

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners in High School

Many parents of struggling learners notice their high school teens feel overwhelmed by juggling academics, activities, and social life. It is common for families to worry when their child avoids deadlines, forgets assignments, or has trouble breaking big tasks into smaller steps. If your child often says, “I do not know where to start,” or struggles to keep up, you are not alone. These challenges are especially common for students with learning differences or executive function difficulties, but with the right support, your teen can develop the skills needed to plan ahead, set priorities, and succeed in high school and beyond.

Definitions

Planning and prioritization refers to the ability to set goals, break tasks into steps, and decide which tasks are most important. Executive function is a set of mental skills, including planning, organization, and self-control, that helps students manage their time and resources effectively.

Why Planning & Prioritization Matter for High School Success

High school brings new challenges for struggling learners: more complex assignments, increased personal responsibility, and the pressure to prepare for life after graduation. Without strong planning and prioritization skills, teens may find themselves missing deadlines, staying up late to finish work, or feeling discouraged. Experts in child development note that these executive function skills are not just helpful for academics—they are essential for building self-reliance and managing stress.

For many students, the transition to high school can feel like being handed a map with no directions. That is why parent strategies for planning and prioritizing goals are so valuable. When parents model and coach these skills at home, teens are more likely to develop habits that carry them into adulthood.

Common Struggles: What Gets in the Way?

Many teachers and parents report that high schoolers who struggle with executive function may:

• Forget about long-term projects until the last minute
• Feel unsure how to begin big assignments
• Get sidetracked by less urgent tasks (like texting or video games)
• Procrastinate when tasks feel overwhelming
• Have trouble balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars and social commitments

It is important to remember that these are not signs of laziness or lack of motivation. Instead, they signal a need for more structure, guidance, and encouragement as teens build new habits. With the right parent strategies for planning and prioritizing goals, your child can overcome these hurdles and feel more capable each day.

Parent Strategies for Planning and Prioritizing Goals: Step-by-Step Guide

Below are some practical steps parents can use to help high school students become better planners and decision makers.

1. Start with Open Conversations

Invite your teen to talk about their weekly responsibilities. Ask questions such as, “What feels hardest about keeping up with assignments right now?” or “Is there something coming up you are worried about?” Listen without judgment. When your child feels heard, they are more willing to accept support.

2. Break Big Tasks into Smaller Steps

Help your child look at large projects or assignments and divide them into smaller, manageable pieces. For example, if they have a research paper due in two weeks, sit together and list out the steps: choosing a topic, researching, outlining, writing a draft, revising, and finalizing. Use a calendar or planner to map out when each step will get done.

3. Prioritize Using Visual Tools

Use color-coded calendars, sticky notes, or digital apps to help organize deadlines and activities. Consider making a “must do,” “should do,” and “could do” list for each week. This makes priorities clear and helps teens see which tasks matter most.

4. Encourage Regular Check-Ins

Set aside a brief time each week to review upcoming assignments, commitments, and any obstacles your child is facing. Celebrate what’s going well, and problem-solve together when there are setbacks. Over time, this routine builds your child’s self-awareness and accountability.

5. Model Planning and Prioritization

Share your own strategies for managing busy days. For example, talk about how you decide what to tackle first at work or at home. When your child sees you planning meals, scheduling appointments, or adjusting plans when life gets busy, they learn valuable skills by example.

6. Allow for Flexibility and Growth

Some weeks will be harder than others. Remind your teen that it is normal to need to adjust plans. When mistakes happen, focus on what can be learned rather than what went wrong. This approach fosters resilience and growth.

7. Connect with School Supports

If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, check in with their teachers or counselors about accommodations for planning and organization. Many schools offer resources such as study skills workshops, peer mentors, or extra check-ins with advisors. You can also find related resource on building executive function skills at home.

High School Planning & Prioritization: What Does Progress Look Like?

• Your teen begins to use a planner or digital calendar regularly
• They ask for help breaking down assignments instead of avoiding them
• They start to recognize when they feel overwhelmed and can ask for support
• They celebrate small wins, like turning in work on time or managing a busy week

Every learner grows at their own pace. Even small steps forward deserve recognition.

How Can I Help My Teen Set Priorities Without Adding Stress?

Parents often wonder how to encourage good habits without creating more anxiety. The answer lies in collaboration, not control. Instead of telling your teen exactly what to do, try asking guiding questions: “What is most urgent this week?” or “If you could finish just one thing today, what would it be?” This approach supports independence and self-advocacy. Importantly, your role is to offer support, not perfection. If you need more tips to help teens set priorities, consider exploring additional resources on our site.

Executive Function Skills: Building Blocks for the Future

Executive function skills like planning, prioritization, and time management do not develop overnight. For struggling learners, these abilities may take extra time and practice. According to experts, consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement are key. Encourage your child to reflect on what strategies work best for them, and remind them that mistakes are opportunities for learning.

Many parents find that connecting with other families, teachers, or tutors can provide new ideas and encouragement. Remember, your child is building lifelong skills that will help them succeed in college, careers, and beyond.

Grade 9-12: Planning & Prioritization Strategies for Struggling Learners

• Use assignment checklists to keep track of tasks for each class
• Encourage your teen to block out study time before social events or activities
• Help them set up regular reminders on their phone or computer for important deadlines
• Schedule weekly “reset” sessions to reorganize backpacks, binders, or digital files

Your support can make these routines feel manageable and less overwhelming. Over time, your teen will gain confidence in their ability to plan and prioritize independently.

Related Resources

• EF Skills: Planning & Prioritizing – Smart Kids
• Setting Priorities – Overcoming Obstacles
• Provide Learners With Tools to Prioritize Their Time

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that every student learns differently. If your high schooler is struggling with planning, organization, or executive function, our tutors can provide personalized strategies and encouragement. We work alongside families to nurture growth, self-advocacy, and resilience, so your child can reach their full potential—one step at a time.

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].