To avoid last-minute panic, help your child develop a plan.

With a written plan, your child can rely more on himself, and less on you. This will give your child a sense of accomplishment. He’ll learn skills he can use in high school and college.

Here is a sample plan for getting projects completed on time. Have your child:

1. Pick a topic and have his teacher approve it. This step may not be necessary if the teacher

assigns a topic to your child.

2. List the steps necessary to get the project completed. For example, do research, take notes, write a rough draft, write a second draft, do illustrations, and make a final copy.

3. List the help he will need from parents or others. For example, “I need a ride to the library on Tuesday, and again next Saturday.”

4. Set a deadline for completing each step of the project.

5. Collect the materials required for the project.

6. Follow the steps for getting the project finished. Start with research and then proceed through the other steps. Meet all deadlines.

7. Turn in completed project on or before the due date.

If you child follows these steps, he should complete his project on time with a minimum of stress.

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