In an ideal world, kids’ motivation would come from inside (intrinsic motivation), but often it takes some encouragement to get them there, and the messages they hear at home can have a significant impact.
Here are 5 things you can concentrate on to support your kid:
1. Display Your Value for Education to Your Children
Making sure your child attends school is the first step towards valuing education; absences from class should only be justified by serious illness. Discuss education and enquire about your child’s day. Around the dinner table, we frequently employ the “high and low” conversation starter, which is quite helpful. When your child expresses an interest, assist her in conducting further study online and arrange educational outings to the library, museum, etc. Don’t forget to schedule time for learning outside the classroom. It doesn’t have to be difficult to include activities like reading in your child’s schedule; for now, our daughters have a “Bed at 7:30, lights out at 8” rule. Make sure your child has all the tools at home needed to finish his or her schoolwork. I advise maintaining a caddy with all portable supplies in each room. Self-model reading and writing while highlighting the practical math you employ on a daily basis.
2. Reward…In The Correct Way!
There are alternative ways to train your child to feel proud of her academic successes besides paying cash for report card grades or purchasing “things” to reward accomplishments. The best is praise. Verbally praise efforts and advancements in addition to ultimate outcomes. I always read my husband the good letters from the teacher aloud so that the kids can hear, and occasionally we’ll call Grandma and Grandpa to share as well. Your child values the time and attention you provide them. After the event, a trip for hot chocolate or ice cream, a movie night on the couch, or a walk to the park can serve as unexpected celebrations (not offered as a bribe in advance). Make sure that social media, video games, and TV time all occur after the night’s duties and homework are finished.
3. Help the school out; your kid is always paying attention.
When your kids are around, it’s always necessary to talk politely about staff and educational/classroom decisions. By signing their agenda, you may show your child that you’ll be participating in their education this year. Then, keep it up by staying in touch with the instructor on a regular basis. In the event that there is a problem at school, always follow up with penalties at home.
4. Assign ownership to your child.
Model how to unpack a backpack lay out homework, etc. from an early age (it will make life easier for you, too!). Then anticipate that your youngster will take control of the routine. Assist your child in creating daily or weekly to-do lists so they are prepared for bed and school each night and can manage homework if they are older. Gradually give your child responsibility for assignment completion. Give people a choice. Allow young children to choose their own bedtime tales (yes, even if it’s the same one every night), and give older children the freedom to decide where in the house they want to do their schoolwork.
5. Be Upbeat
You want your youngster to learn more good than negative messages about school. If she’s having difficulties (behaviorally or academically), it could seem that any conversation about school is improper. Make an effort to provide constructive criticism. So that you have resources to draw from, enlist the teacher’s assistance. One of the young boys in my class has attention issues, and his mother and I have had several conversations about it. When I sent her a heartfelt message one day complimenting his time on an assignment, she was overjoyed (and so was her son). Speak with the teacher as soon as possible if the work actually seems too tough or if your kid appears to be having social issues so that steps can be done to make the school the secure, enjoyable, and challenging environment it should be.