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Just like adults some kids are more motivated than others. If you’re being met with challenges of your child not doing chores or homework on their own, there are ways to help motivate your child. According to experts, the best lessons in motivation consist of nurturing the child in a way that cultivates self-motivation, teaching them the association between following through on things and embracing the pride that comes with achievements. This will serve them throughout life, and is much better than the reward and punishment scenario.
#1 Be a Good Role Model
Explain to your child the importance of setting goals and share stories about your personal objectives. Also describe that even when mistakes happen, you refuse to give up, because you’ve made a commitment to yourself to work hard and see it through to the end.
#2 Help Them Set Goals
Ask your child about something they want to do. It may be saving money for a trip to Disney World, learning to play the piano, or adopting a pet. Through helping your child set a goal and formulate a plan of action to accomplish something he or she is passionate about, both of you will have fun with a lesson on the importance of motivation.
#3 Encourage the Small Achievements
Avoid the risk of your child becoming discouraged with a goal because it is taking longer than he or she had envisioned. Break each part into separate manageable steps and offer praise throughout the process.
#4 Let Go of Perfection
The younger children always seem eager to help; yet as they approach the age of 4 or 5, many of them lose motivation and no longer enjoy a chore. For example, many children enjoy sorting the cozy warm laundry when its fresh out the dryer, but as mom or dad become focused on it being folded perfectly, or opt to exclude the child because of being rushed, the child will no longer find it enjoyable. Learn to let go of perfection and nurture your child’s eagerness to participate in chores.
#5 Work Through Mistakes Together
When your child makes a mistake or fails at something, offer encouragement and explain that it’s a part of life and another opportunity for learning.
#6 Integrate Healthy Competition
Whether it is a running in a race, competing in a spelling bee, competition is a great way to encourage growth and motivate your child to learn excel.
#7 Take Interest
Have conversations with your child and listen to their interests. This will help motivate them to do well. When you take a genuine interest, it will also convey that you sincerely care and your child will be motivated to impress you and do more to gain your attention.
#8 Guide Them To Success
Make it possible for your child to experience success. This will evoke positive emotions while also building self-esteem, which is vital to self-motivation.
By using these suggested tips, your child will learn the importance of motivation and its impact on long-term success as well as self-confidence.
Thought Starters:
- Modeling Goal-Setting and Persistence: Reflect on how you can demonstrate goal-setting and resilience in your own life as a way to motivate your child. Consider sharing your personal goals and experiences, including how you handle setbacks, to inspire your child to embrace challenges and commitments.
- Supporting Your Child in Setting and Achieving Goals: Think about ways to help your child set and work towards achieving their own goals. This could involve discussing what they are passionate about, like a hobby or a special project, and then helping them formulate a plan to achieve it.
- Recognizing and Celebrating Small Achievements: Consider how you can break down your child's goals into smaller, manageable steps and provide encouragement and praise for each achievement. Reflect on the importance of acknowledging these small successes to keep your child motivated.
- Encouraging Learning from Mistakes: Ponder how you can use mistakes or failures as learning opportunities for your child. Think about ways to offer encouragement and support when they encounter setbacks, reinforcing the idea that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growth.
- Fostering Healthy Competition and Interest: Reflect on how participating in healthy competition, like sports or academic contests, can motivate your child. Additionally, consider how taking an active interest in your child's activities and hobbies can further encourage and motivate them.
Suggested Questions To Ask Your Child:
- What are some goals you'd like to set for yourself?
This question aligns with the article's suggestion to help children set personal goals. It encourages the child to think about and articulate what they want to achieve, which is a key step in nurturing self-motivation.
- Can you think of a small achievement you're proud of recently?
By asking about small achievements, the parent follows the article's advice to encourage and recognize smaller successes. This approach helps the child see progress in their efforts, fostering motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
- What's something new you learned from a mistake you made?
This question is based on the article's recommendation to use mistakes as learning opportunities. It helps the child to understand that failures are part of the learning process and can be valuable for growth and development.
- Would you like to try a competition or challenge in [an area of interest]?
Suggesting participation in a healthy competition relates to the article’s idea that competition can be a good motivator. It can also help the child learn about managing both success and disappointment.
- How can I help you succeed in what you're doing?
This question is about offering support and guidance to the child, as suggested in the article. It shows the child that their parent is interested and willing to be involved in their activities, which can be a significant motivational factor.
