Motivating Your Child: The Parent Side
As a parent how do you motivate your child? What motivates your child? What plays out via this motivation? It is important to concede that Most kids are self-motivated. They did their homework on their own. They did the things they needed to do without being reminded. Most set goals for themselves and achieved them. Maybe this was because their parents were mostly uninvolved. Who knows!
Some kids are self-motivated. And other kids are less motivated and need a little push here or a lot of prodding there. If you’re wondering how to motivate your child, you might automatically think of awarding your child for every step he takes in the right direction and applying unfavourable consequences for steps he takes in the wrong direction. In truth, the best approach is to go easy on the rewards and punishments and cultivate his internal motivation—help him to tune into the feelings of accomplishment and the pride he feels for a job well done.
To find out what motivates your child, take a look at the below-listed ways to up the motivation:
- Set Goals.
Have them set goals. Make a list of short-term goals, some mid-term goals, and one for the long-term goals. Make sure the goals are reachable but require effort to obtain. And be sure you’re helping your children choose the right goals. - Generate a Plan.
To reach goals, you need a plan. Help your children create a strategy and tactics for reaching their goals. Make a step-by-step plan to reach them. This printable goals chart for kids will help you get started. - Make Them Competitive in Things.
Make your child that there is strength in the competition. Enable healthy competition. Cheer on your child to beat another runner in a race or to take home the trophy from the spelling bee. Make competition about positivity and strength in regards to your child and never about negativity and weakness towards the competitor. Does your child shy away from competition? - Take Interest.
Learn about your child’s interests. Talk to your child about them and listen. It will show your children that you care and that they are free to talk to you about their interests. - Celebrate Accomplishments.
When your children attain their set goals, let them know that you are proud of them. Celebrate these successes together. Reward your children for their hard work. Remember, a sense of accomplishment is the best reward. - Discover Passion.
Encourage your children to discover what he or she is passionate about. It may take a few tries along the way. Support your child on the journey toward passion and urge him or her to keep going until he or she finds out what it is. - Encourage Them.
Let your children know you recognize and believe in their ability. Tell them how great they are going to do. Dismiss any self-doubt or fears they may have. Let your children know you believe in them. - Remain Positive.
Maintain a positive and optimistic outlook for your children. If they see fear or doubt in your eyes, they likely will lose self-confidence. Having a positive approach will brighten their mood and instil a character of optimism in them. - Peer Pressure.
Occasionally, a little peer pressure is not a bad thing. It can push your kids to do better in school or a sport because they want to keep up with their friends. However, watch for when the stress of peer pressure starts to become too much. - Excite Them.
Excite your children about their goals and ambitions. Show that you are excited for them, too. The positive energy and adrenaline will push them to continue their hard work and be happy with their efforts.
Adeyinka Meduoye
