Motivating children can be a challenging, especially during and/or after school holidays. Here are five quick strategies parents can use to help inspire motivation in their children:
Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable and realistic goals. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only makes the goals less overwhelming but also allows your child to experience a sense of accomplishment as they make progress.
Encourage Intrinsic Motivation: Foster a sense of internal motivation by helping your child find personal interest and meaning in their activities. Encourage them to explore their passions and pursue activities that genuinely interest them, rather than relying solely on external rewards.
Provide Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward your child’s efforts and achievements. Positive reinforcement can take various forms, such as verbal praise, small rewards, or additional privileges. This helps build their self-esteem and reinforces the connection between effort and positive outcomes.
Create a Supportive Environment: Cultivate an environment that supports your child’s goals and aspirations. Ensure they have access to necessary resources, whether it’s study materials, sports equipment, or creative tools. Also, be emotionally supportive, offering encouragement and guidance during challenging times.
Model Motivation and Perseverance: Children often learn by example, so demonstrating a strong work ethic and perseverance can have a profound impact. Share your own experiences of setting and achieving goals, and discuss the importance of overcoming obstacles. This modeling behavior can inspire and motivate your child.
Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s essential to communicate with your child, understand their individual needs and preferences, and be flexible in your approach to find the most effective motivational strategies for them.
Would you like more support with helping your child feel more motivated? Why not check out our children’s and teen’s life skills, health and wellbeing programs by clicking here.
If you’d like a more 1-2-1 approach, perhaps Youth Coaching would be a great option for you. Alternatively, if you would like to support your child from home, click here to read more about our parent home resources.
Kim Henwood
Kim, founder of Standing Strong, takes a holistic approach to helping children, teens, and parents navigate through the challenges and triumphs of growing up. Kim knows what it takes to get through the tough times and has worked with hundreds of children, teens, families, schools and community organisations.
