Motivation - How Do I Motivate My Child to Do Well in School?

By Stuart Ackerman  MSc.Ed.,B.A.

     It’s interesting how some children are intrinsically motivated to do well in school while others don’t care at all.

     It is very difficult to motivate a student if he/she has no desire to do well.  I’ve seen parents try to extrinsically motivate their  children (which sometimes work) with rewards and see positive results.

     There are numerous factors why children aren’t motivated to do well in school. 

     Here are a few tips whereby you can begin to find ways to motivate your child and get him or her interested in school.

·         If intrinsic motivation (i.e. the inner need to do well in school) isn’t there, try extrinsic motivation.  Most of us go to work because we seek a reward (i.e. a pay check) and avoid punishment (no pay check = no home and food).  So why should we expect any different from our children?  I’m not suggesting bribery.  I am suggesting that you make a contract with your child.  Draft a contract together and decide on specific rewards (and punishments) for certain grades on tests and/or report cards.  Get your child to ‘work’ for something.  This will give him a sense of pride and accomplishment that he may be missing.

·         Give your child real life exposure to potential jobs and careers in the community.  Set up meetings with people from different parts of the work force.  Your child may find a vocation that he/she had never thought about before.  That mechanic, doctor, lawyer, or policeman might motivate your child to take his/her studies more seriously and finally have a ‘reason’ for learning.

·         Praise your child when he/she does well in school. 

·         Get support (i.e. a tutor) if needed.

·         Involve your child in school activities and programs in order to promote more of a positive connection  between your child and the school environment.

     These techniques are a good starting place for you to help your child become more interested in school.  Remember to be positive and supportive of your child.  Any negative association your child will have with his/her school life will further undermine his/her interest and motivation.