Kids often exhibit a passive mode when they are growing up. It is not our default nature, however. We all strive, wish for something, move towards our passion, etc. But we need a spark to ignite the desire. That’s where motivation comes into play.
Lack of motivation is a form of “Resistance.” If a child is unmotivated, they won’t do homework, schoolwork, or participate in any activities. Gradually, this will lead to bad grades and poor behavior. As parents, it’s your responsibility to motivate them. Unfortunately, many parents do not take this step.
Staying motivated in life is very important for kids. You can motivate your kids if you haven’t motivated them or if they seem unmotivated. However, Motivating a child can be a challenge for some parents. That’s true. Relax! We’re here to help you.
Here are a few tips and strategies for motivating the unmotivated. It is intended for parents who are looking for ways to motivate their children.
Tips and Strategies to Motivate the Unmotivated
1. Become interested in your child’s interests
We all like to do things we find interesting, and children are no different. If they pursue activities they enjoy, they will be more motivated. How do you do that?
- Find out what your kids are interested in by observing them.
- Show interest in their interests, even if they differ from your own.
- Identify ways to link their interests to the other skills you want them to develop.
2. Keep the “motivational talk” to a minimum
According to science, motivational talks rarely work. However, no matter how hard you try, talking to your kids about effort is not likely to change their behavior. So, follow as below
- Instead of focusing on the past, consider the future.
- There are several age-appropriate resources available to help your children develop a growth mindset and reflect on their performance. So, ask your children to assess their own performance.
- Don’t give your children motivational talks; let them know you know they can succeed.
3. Encourage and Support
A lack of motivation in our kids’ is normal. But, our frustration grows when we can’t motivate them! Right? There are many reasons why kids may lack motivation: lack of confidence, frustration, disappointment or it could be any other reason. But, as parents, we need to support and encourage them at their tough times.
- Before achieving success, everyone experiences failure. Share your own failures with your children. Life is full of failures, so let them understand that.
- Even if the changes don’t immediately lead to improvement, comment on them. If you notice that your children are putting more effort into their work, let them know.
- Encourage them to set goals. Create a short-term and long-term goals list. Goals should be attainable but require effort to achieve.
- Further, it is important to have a plan in order to achieve your goals. Help your children develop a strategy for achieving their goals. Now, your kid can use this printable goals chart to get started.
4. kids will always be kids
Wouldn’t it be great if our kids followed our instructions and performed better than we expected? Kids do not view things in the same way as adults do. The most effective way to change their perception is to explain why certain things are important to them. So, Make learning fun for your children. For instance, if they are interested in music, join them.
Here are a few tips for you:
- When your child is having trouble staying focused or interested, try different approaches.
- It’s not surprising that kids will always be motivated by things they enjoy. Allow your children to enjoy the things they enjoy.
- Don’t criticize or disappoint your children.
- Change the way you perceive your child’s behavior. There is nothing abnormal about kids or adults procrastinating and lacking motivation. Therefore, there is no need to worry.
5. Take advantage of your child’s strengths
You may never have imagined how strength-based parenting could enhance your child’s happiness and satisfaction. Thus,
- Parenting should emphasize your child’s strengths. Rather than assuming that they are mediocre in all fields, children need to experience success.
- If a child discovers where their strengths lie, even the most destructive traits can undergo a transformation. You can build your children’s self-esteem by recognizing their strengths.
6. Consult a professional
Lack of motivation may indicate undiagnosed learning disorders or attention-related problems among kids, something we rarely hear about.
People with certain disorders may show signs of lack of motivation, procrastination, and difficulty concentrating. Whenever your child fails, these disorders can lead him or her to give up.
So, if you feel overwhelmed by your child’s lack of motivation, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Your child’s learning disorder or other issues can be diagnosed by a professional, or a professional can help you determine how to help your child.
7. Celebrate your child’s success
Let your children know you are proud of them when they achieve their goals. Celebrate their successes together. Furthermore, reward your children for their smartwork and effort.
There is no guarantee that motivating your child will be easy, especially if the problem has existed for a long time. Remember that changing habits takes time. Don’t lose heart if progress seems slow. Soon, you’ll be celebrating your child’s success.
