It’s back to school time again! For parents of an unmotivated child, this can be the start of a new cycle of stress as they observe what appears to be a “laziness” or apathy. The good news is that these observable behaviors aren’t fixed. Read on for some quick tips.
-Focus on the positive, and notice your child’s accomplishments regardless of how small these may be.
-Use specific praise. For example, instead of saying, “I’m so proud of you,” you could say, “You scored really well on this math test. You must have worked extremely hard to earn this grade.”
-Let your child overhear you praising their efforts to other people.
-Break up tasks by creating a list of goals for your child to check off. Your child will feel good as they check off each component of an assignment, such as an outline, a draft, and so on.
-Be nearby when your child is working. Complete your own work at the same time. Upon completion, discuss your accomplishments.
-Help your child realize that issues that arise can be used as a learning experience. Talk about problems using words such as “hurdle” or “obstacle” rather than “failure” or “defeat.” They need to see that all people experience temporary roadblocks, and these experiences can help us grow.
-Use caution when talking negatively about your own schooling or attitude in certain academic subjects. Parents’ attitudes about schooling can affect children’s attitudes about academics.
-Look over your child’s work, and show interest in what they’re doing. You can take it a step further by having your child “teach” you the content.
-Focus on the positive, and notice your child’s accomplishments regardless of how small these may be.
-Use specific praise. For example, instead of saying, “I’m so proud of you,” you could say, “You scored really well on this math test. You must have worked extremely hard to earn this grade.”
-Let your child overhear you praising their efforts to other people.
-Break up tasks by creating a list of goals for your child to check off. Your child will feel good as they check off each component of an assignment, such as an outline, a draft, and so on.
-Be nearby when your child is working. Complete your own work at the same time. Upon completion, discuss your accomplishments.
-Help your child realize that issues that arise can be used as a learning experience. Talk about problems using words such as “hurdle” or “obstacle” rather than “failure” or “defeat.” They need to see that all people experience temporary roadblocks, and these experiences can help us grow.
-Use caution when talking negatively about your own schooling or attitude in certain academic subjects. Parents’ attitudes about schooling can affect children’s attitudes about academics.
-Look over your child’s work, and show interest in what they’re doing. You can take it a step further by having your child “teach” you the content.
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