If you are struggling with keeping your child motivated in school, the first thing you should consider is if there is anything holding them back. Learning differences, social challenges, and emotional issues can cause children to disengage academically. There are several things parents can do to help motivate their child to try harder.
1. Get Involved! As a parent, your presence in the academic life of your child is crucial to their commitment in school. Sit down with them and help with their homework. Pay attention to any extra help they may need. Let them know that you’re available to answer questions and want to help them succeed. Get in the habit of asking questions. Ask about what they are learning in school. By demonstrating your interest in your child’s school life, you’re showing that you care and want the best for them. This is especially effective with young kids who tend to be excited about whatever you’re excited about.
2. Reward effort rather than outcome! Make your “message” clear. You want them to know that you respect hard work. Praising your children for following through when things get difficult, for making a sustained effort and for trying things they’re not sure they can do successfully will keep them motivated! Doing this will help teach them to keep pushing themselves.
3. Let them make mistakes! There is no such thing as a “perfect student.” Do not pressure them to get A’s on every test or perfect scores on every assignment. Kids need encouragement and it’s healthy to push them to try their best. However, know that setbacks are natural. Sometimes the only way children learn how to properly prepare for school is by finding out what happens when they’re unprepared.
Remember the key is to keep your child engaged and motivated in school! Celebrate the small wins to focus on the bigger goals.
Yes! It can be so hard to let them make mistakes, but it is such an important lesson for the future!