Pitfalls to avoid in planning and prioritization

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Neurodivergent Learners and Planning Struggles

Many parents of neurodivergent children notice that planning and prioritization can feel overwhelming or confusing for their child, especially in elementary school. Whether your child is diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or simply marches to their own drum, executive function challenges are common and nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, these are signals that your child may benefit from extra patience, concrete routines, and gentle reminders as they practice new skills. Your support and understanding are powerful tools for growth.

Definitions

Planning means deciding what needs to be done, in what order, and by when. Prioritization is choosing which tasks matter most and should be done first. Together, these skills help children organize their time, energy, and focus so they can succeed both in and out of school.

Understanding Executive Function: Why Planning & Prioritization Matter

Experts in child development note that planning and prioritization are core parts of executive function, the brain’s “management system.” Young children, especially those who are neurodivergent, often need extra practice to build these skills. When a child struggles with planning, they may forget homework, mix up steps in a project, or feel anxious about where to begin. Prioritization issues might look like spending too much time on a favorite activity and not enough on important assignments. Many teachers and parents report that supporting children early in these areas leads to less stress and better learning outcomes as they grow.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Planning and Prioritization

Right from the start, it helps to be aware of the pitfalls to avoid in planning and prioritization. These are common traps that even adults can fall into, and they are especially tricky for neurodivergent learners. By naming and understanding them, you can help your child sidestep frustration and find strategies that work.

• Trying to Do Everything at Once: When your child feels pressure to handle all their tasks at the same time, they may freeze or rush through work. Remind them that it is okay to focus on one thing at a time and to take breaks.
• Skipping Steps: Jumping ahead without a clear plan can result in forgotten materials, missed instructions, or incomplete assignments. Encourage your child to make simple checklists or draw out their steps before starting a new project.
• Unclear Goals: If your child does not know what success looks like, it is hard to set priorities. Work together to define what needs to be done and what a “finished” task should look like. For example, “Finish math worksheet and check answers” is clearer than “Do math.”
• Overestimating Time: Many children, especially those with executive function challenges, have trouble judging how long a task will take. Using timers or visual schedules can help your child get a better sense of time and avoid the stress of last-minute rushing.
• Getting Stuck on Details: Perfectionism and hyperfocus can make it hard to move on from one step to the next. Remind your child that “good enough” is often okay, and celebrate progress, not just perfection.
• Underestimating Rest: Skipping breaks can lead to burnout. Building pause points into your child’s routine makes planning feel less overwhelming and allows their brain to recharge.

Remember, the pitfalls to avoid in planning and prioritization are not signs of laziness or lack of intelligence. They are common planning mistakes for students of all abilities, but they can feel especially tough for neurodivergent learners because of differences in brain wiring and sensory processing.

Planning & Prioritization for Elementary School: What Parents Can Do

• Set Up a Visual Schedule: Young children benefit from seeing their tasks laid out. Use pictures, stickers, or color-coding to make daily routines predictable. For example, a morning checklist might include: “Pack backpack, eat breakfast, brush teeth.”
• Break Tasks Down: When faced with a big project, help your child divide it into small, clear steps. For a book report, steps might be: “Pick a book, read two chapters, write a summary, draw a picture.”
• Practice “First-Then” Language: Use simple phrases like, “First, finish your math page. Then, you can play outside.” This helps your child focus and understand priorities.
• Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask your child, “What is the most important thing to do next?” If they are unsure, brainstorm together and model thinking out loud.
• Model Planning Out Loud: Share your own planning process. For example, “I need to make dinner. First I will check what we have. Then I will start cooking.” This makes planning feel normal and approachable.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every step counts. Praise your child for checking off a task, remembering a step, or asking for help. Building confidence is key to long-term growth.

By focusing on these strategies, you help your child avoid the common pitfalls to avoid in planning and prioritization. This sets the stage for better self-management as they grow.

Parent Question: “Why Does My Child Struggle With Prioritizing Homework?”

It is very common for neurodivergent children to have a hard time knowing which assignments to do first, especially if every task feels equally important or overwhelming. Some children may start with the easiest task, while others jump into a preferred subject and avoid the rest. The pitfalls to avoid in planning and prioritization include not only forgetting what is due but also misjudging the order of importance. To help, try sitting with your child and sorting assignments by due date or difficulty. Use visual tools like sticky notes or simple charts. Over time, your child will learn to ask themselves, “What needs to be done now, and what can wait?”

Mini-Scenarios: Planning and Prioritization in Real Life

• At Home: Your child wants to play a video game but has reading homework. Together, you make a plan: “First, read one chapter, then play for 20 minutes.” This helps them see that responsibilities come before rewards, but both can fit into the day.
• In the Classroom: The teacher assigns a group project. Your child feels lost and does not know where to start. With some gentle coaching, the teacher helps the group list out steps and assign roles, showing your child how to break a big task into smaller, manageable parts.

These everyday moments help reinforce the skills and highlight why it matters to know the pitfalls to avoid in planning and prioritization.

Building Executive Function: Growth Takes Time and Practice

Executive function, including planning and prioritization, is like a muscle that grows with use. Some children need more practice than others, and that is absolutely normal. If your child forgets a step or mixes up tasks, treat it as a learning moment. Instead of focusing on the mistake, talk about what worked and what you might try next time. Over time, your child will develop more independence and less anxiety around planning. For more ideas to build these skills, see our executive function resources.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that every child is unique, and building planning and prioritization skills is a journey. Our tutors are experienced in working with neurodivergent learners and can offer personalized strategies that match your child’s strengths and challenges. Whether your child is just starting to practice these skills or needs extra support to overcome common obstacles, we are here to help you and your family feel confident about the path ahead.

Related Resources

• Tips for Parents: The Gifted Brain — Strengthening Executive Functioning and Future Thinking – The Davidson Institute
• Prioritizing: A Critical Executive Function – Edutopia
• Three Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families – Harvard Center on the Developing Child

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].