When high school students can’t get started on work

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Struggling Learners and Task Initiation

Many parents of struggling learners notice when high school students cant get started on work, no matter how urgent or important it might be. If you see your child staring at a blank page, losing track of time, or feeling overwhelmed before beginning homework, you are not alone. This experience is common for high schoolers who find academic tasks daunting, especially when executive function skills are still developing. Your support and understanding can make a real difference as they learn to navigate these challenges.

Definitions

Task initiation is the ability to begin a task promptly and efficiently, without excessive delay or avoidance. Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help with managing time, organizing materials, planning, and following through on tasks.

Why does my high schooler freeze up before starting work?

When high school students cant get started on work, it often feels confusing and frustrating for both teens and their parents. You may wonder why your child, who seems capable, just cannot seem to get going—especially when deadlines are approaching. Experts in child development note that task initiation is one of the most common executive function hurdles in high school. Many teachers and parents report that even students who are motivated to do well may still face this invisible barrier.

Your teen might describe feeling “stuck,” “overwhelmed,” or “lost” before starting. These feelings may stem from:

• Fear of failure or making mistakes: Worrying the work will not be good enough can stall progress before it even begins.
• Unclear directions or too many steps: Uncertainty about where to start can feel paralyzing.
• Perfectionism: Some students avoid starting because they want their work to be perfect from the outset.
• Fatigue or stress: Busy schedules, lack of sleep, or emotional overload can sap motivation and focus.

Recognizing that task initiation challenges are not laziness is a vital first step. Most high schoolers want to succeed and may feel frustrated or ashamed when they cannot get started. Your reassurance that this struggle is both normal and solvable can ease anxiety and open the door to solutions.

Executive Function and Task Initiation: The Hidden Skill Set

Executive function is a set of mental skills that develops gradually through childhood and adolescence. For high school students, these skills include the ability to plan, organize, start tasks independently, and stick with them until completion. When high school students cant get started on work, it is often because executive function skills like task initiation, time management, and organization are still a work in progress.

Some signs your child may have executive function challenges related to task initiation include:

• Procrastinating or putting off assignments repeatedly
• Needing frequent reminders to begin work
• Getting distracted during the first steps of a task
• Expressing confusion about how to start, even when the directions seem clear

Learning to initiate tasks is not automatic for every student. If your teen feels “stuck” each time a new assignment comes up, this may be a sign they need support in building these skills. The good news is that task initiation can be practiced and strengthened, just like any other skill.

High School Task Initiation: Why it Matters More Than Ever

The high school years bring increased demands—longer assignments, more complex projects, and higher expectations for independent work. For struggling learners, these changes can make it even harder to get started. When high school students cant get started on work, the effects ripple through their academic life: missed deadlines, incomplete assignments, lower grades, and growing frustration or self-doubt.

Building task initiation skills is critical because it helps students:

• Take ownership of their learning
• Manage time and workload more effectively
• Reduce last-minute stress and anxiety
• Develop habits that will serve them in college and future careers

As a parent, you can help your child see these struggles as part of the learning process—not a sign that they are not capable. With the right tools and support, your teen can learn to overcome the hurdle of getting started.

Common Triggers: What Gets in the Way of Starting?

When high school students cant get started on work, there are often specific triggers at play. Knowing what these are can help you and your child find the right solutions. Some common barriers include:

• Large or unfamiliar assignments: Big projects can feel overwhelming, making it hard to know where to begin.
• Unclear instructions: If your child does not fully understand what is expected, starting becomes a guessing game.
• Distractions: Phones, social media, and noisy environments make it easy to put off starting.
• Low motivation: If the task feels boring, irrelevant, or too difficult, your teen may avoid starting altogether.
• Emotional stress: Anxiety, frustration, or perfectionism can block action before it begins.

For some students, trouble starting homework in high school is compounded by learning differences such as ADHD, which can impact executive function. Recognizing these patterns can help you approach your child’s challenges with empathy and patience.

What Can Parents Do? Coaching Strategies for Task Initiation

When high school students cant get started on work, you may feel tempted to step in and take control. While offering reminders and encouragement is helpful, building independence is the goal. Here are strategies you can use at home:

1. Break tasks into smaller steps
   Help your child identify the first, simplest action they can take (for example, “open your textbook to the assignment page” or “write today’s date on the paper”). Starting small can reduce overwhelm.
2. Use visual schedules or checklists
   Writing out each step makes tasks less intimidating and gives a sense of progress.
3. Set up a distraction-free workspace
   Create a consistent, comfortable study area with minimal interruptions.
4. Encourage time-blocking
   Suggest working in short bursts (like 15- or 25-minute blocks) with planned breaks in between. This can make starting feel less daunting.
5. Practice “just start” routines
   Establish a habit of doing two minutes of work just to get going. Often, beginning is the hardest part—momentum builds from there.
6. Offer emotional support, not just reminders
   Validate your child’s feelings. Let them know it is normal to feel stuck sometimes and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Remember that building these skills takes time. Celebrate small wins and progress, not just finished assignments. For more strategies, see our executive function resources.

High School and Task Initiation: A Grade-Specific Guide

Your approach may vary depending on your child’s grade and unique strengths. Here are some high school-specific tips for supporting task initiation and follow-through:

• For freshmen (9th grade): Help your teen set up a planner or digital calendar early in the year. Model how to break down big projects into weekly goals.
• For sophomores and juniors (10th-11th grades): Encourage self-advocacy. If your child is confused about an assignment, coach them to email the teacher or ask questions in class.
• For seniors (12th grade): Emphasize independence and reflection. Support your teen in reviewing what strategies have worked in the past and in planning for more complex, self-driven assignments.

Regardless of grade, keep communication open. Ask your teen what feels hardest about getting started and listen without judgment. Offer to brainstorm solutions together, rather than dictating them.

When to Seek More Help: Recognizing Deeper Challenges

If, despite your best efforts, your child continues to struggle when high school students cant get started on work, it may be time to explore additional support. Signs that more help might be needed include:

• Frequent late or missing assignments, even with reminders
• Intense frustration, tears, or avoidance behaviors
• Significant impact on grades or self-esteem
• Possible signs of ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences

Consider reaching out to your child’s school counselor, teacher, or a learning specialist. Sometimes, small accommodations or targeted skill-building can make a big difference. Remember, asking for help is a powerful step toward growth.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset Around Task Initiation

Remind your teen that skills like starting work, planning, and following through are learned—not something you are either born with or not. Praise effort, persistence, and creative problem-solving. Frame setbacks as opportunities to learn what works best for them. When high school students cant get started on work, it is not a fixed trait but a challenge that can be addressed over time.

With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, your child can develop the confidence and independence needed to tackle assignments head-on. Your guidance and encouragement are key ingredients in this journey.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the challenges families face when high school students cant get started on work. Our experienced educators provide personalized strategies to help students strengthen task initiation, organization, and follow-through. We partner with families to build lasting skills and confidence—one step at a time.

Related Resources

• Executive Function Skills for Kids – Summit Ranch
• Helping Children Turn In Their Homework – LD Online
• Task Initiation: A Multi-Step Strategy for Student Success – SMARTS

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].