How to motivate a child to study
By Thomas Jackson
Sometimes it’s the simple things like preparing them each morning before school that can spark your child’s curiosity to learn. That said, motivating your child to study affects how they develop and dictates their success when they grow up. But each child is different. Not every child will be as motivated to finish their homework on time and look forward to the next school day. Because of this, parents need to learn different tactics to deal with situations. Here are some tips on how to motivate your child to learn.
- Use the right “motivation” for your child
Many parents will remember how hard it was to concentrate fully at all times during their time in school. Sometimes the lack of motivation leads to some children showing resistance toward education. If that is the case, you must help your child find the inspiration they need to study. Otherwise, there is a risk that your child could, over time, become completely indifferent and even lazy. Motivate them to learn, don’t force them to learn. While force may be the easiest route, it’s almost certainly counterproductive. Children who are forced to study forget quickly what they have learned. Once free to choose their own path, such children could abandon education altogether. On the flip side, motivated children are curious to study and will remember what they learned longer.
- Find out what is demotivating your child
There are a number of things that could lead to a child showing a lack of interest in school. Some of these may be straightforward, such as what happens when they return to school after a long holiday. Others, however, may be difficult to detect. Find out if your child has attention deficit disorder and seek professional help. If the child is just lazy, bored, or stressed, find the right motivation to get them back on track. Remember not to rationalize that your child hates school before you discover the root of their lack of enthusiasm for learning.
- Be positive in your approach
When motivating your child to learn and develop a positive attitude towards education, take an honest and supportive approach. Remember, you’re on the same team. While many parents may get frustrated when their child is unmotivated to study, staying calm and in control is the best way. Think positive. Remember, your child is not in the same place as you yet. Instead of reacting negatively, be calm and remember that the child is not mature enough to understand it all. It takes time for children to learn; your patience will ensure they do it better.
- Create a learning structure with your child
Children need structure if they’re to become successful in school. This structure is based on rules that you create with your child on how you expect things to be done. The rules must be followed without fail. For example, make sure your child understands when they need to do their homework and how much time it should take them. Be firm and consistent in ensuring that your child follows these rules. If they disobey the clearly set out rules, they need to bear the consequences. This sends a message that you are willing to invest in their success.
- Reward your child when they do well
It’s not just about making the rules and ensuring your child follows them. It’s also about rewarding good behavior. Rewards are one of the best ways to develop a child’s work ethic. Remember, rewards are not bribes. It’s the same principle as getting paid for the work you do. Make the child understand that their primary responsibility is to study and reward them when they do well. This motivates them to do their job as best as possible. Remember also that the rewards don’t have to be tangible. It could be activities that the child enjoys. For example, you can give them time to go on social media or watch their favorite TV program.
- Provide a peaceful environment for learning
Find out where your child feels most comfortable studying. Let them pick a spot in the house and have them stick to it. You could experiment with different places around your home and find the perfect peaceful spot for them. Once they have a place, stay close by to ensure they are working. It’s never a good idea to leave a child alone in their study location as they could easily get distracted and lose focus. Stay close by but do not disturb their space. Lend a hand where necessary. Just don’t end up doing their homework for them.
- Encourage Open Communication
Let your child express their opinion about their education. Create an environment where your child feels free to talk about their likes and dislikes, or concerns. This will encourage their engagement in the learning process and improve your relationship with them. Remember to validate their concerns and don’t ignore them. Let them know they can share their opinion about their educational experience without being put down.
- Encourage reading
Children who develop a love for reading will most certainly develop a passion for learning. Reading has many advantages, including an enhanced ability to do well in other school subjects. Reading also helps children develop a richer vocabulary. You can encourage your child to read and give him an edge in their education. You can read aloud to them, let them read loud, or create a family reading time.
- Let the focus be on learning, not grades
Nothing stresses a child out more than getting good grades at the end of a school year. You can reduce this stress by focusing instead on the learning goals you have created with your child. Let them focus on solving tricky maths problems or researching and finishing an essay. If your child can enjoy learning, they’ll be motivated at all times.
- Use different study techniques
As we have already learned, each child is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all study technique. You can keep experimenting with other techniques and see which one fits your child’s learning style.
Conclusion
Different children learn differently. Going through school is not easy, and children could get exhausted or bored. It’s up to the parent or guardian to find ways to motivate them and keep them engaged in their learning.
Author Bio
Thomas Jackson is a professional freelance content writer and an active member of several writing clubs in New York. He has contributed to several best essay writing services. He has also worked with this assignment writing service and this essay writing service. He has written several songs since he was a child. He gets inspiration from live concerts, which he does in front of close friends and family members.