Motivation

Motivating your Child to Achieve More in School

Many things will determine your child’s future, but education and the ability to learn are the true keys to success. The top leaders in the world all have one thing in common. They love to learn! Open the door early by reading to your child on a regular basis and help them to utilize their wonderful imagination. Many parents start off great, but as their children get older, they stop reading to them and stop participating in their school work. While it is true that they need to be able to do the work by themselves, it is extremely important that you stay involved. Remember you have a lifetime of experience to share with your child.

5 Simple Ways to Motivate your Child to Achieve More in School

1. Make sure your child gets a good night sleep. – Proper rest is imperative to the ability of children to function properly. It affects their health; learning capacity, memory, and yes the motivation that they will need to accomplish their schoolwork. Start planning earlier bed times.

2. Start the day off right with a healthy breakfast. - Often it seems like a mad scramble to get the kids off to school. Plan your morning and enjoy a nice healthy breakfast with your child. We all focus better when our stomachs are full. This will also give you time to talk about the upcoming day in a nice calm way. Set expectations. Let them know you love them and look forward to hearing about their day when they get home.

3. Keep in touch with your child’s teachers and know their assignments. – This will let your child know you care about them and their success. Teachers will be able to keep you informed of your child’s strengths and weaknesses and they will be a huge help in motivating your child. You need to develop a team effort with teachers. Yes, they are there to help educate your child, but in the end, it is your responsibility to insure that your child is successful in life. Too many parents believe that education is the schools job alone!

4. Establish a quiet comfortable place for them to study. – Develop a positive routine and get rid of all distractions. Setting established times for them to study would let them know of the importance you have placed on their education. Let them show you what they have completed and how proud you are of them. They need to feel good about what they have accomplished.

5. Reward effort and not just grades. – All children are not going to have straight A’s. Developing a strong work ethic in your child is extremely important. Do not let them accept failure as an option. Reward their effort as well as their accomplishments. The rewards can be more playtime, special treats, or even a reduction of household chores. Match the reward to the performance. The larger the accomplishment the bigger the reward!