It has never been easy to make children sit down for studies. They will give you all kinds of excuses in the world to avoid studying.
Why?
Because they find it boring and exhausting. Children can play beyond their level of exhaustion because games excite them. But studying seems like the end of the world to them. They want new pencils, snacks, a change of place, and a lot of breaks to properly study for an hour.
But why is it so difficult to make children study? Are there ways to make studies as exciting for children as games? Are there ways to motivate them to sit down, pick up their pencils and study sincerely for an hour?
Well, we have got you many such ways! Read on and understand how you can motivate your children to study.
Understanding the science of motivation
Motivation is what drives goal-directed activities and influences outcomes such as choice, effort, persistence, achievement, and environmental regulation. There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual. It is driven by personal interest, enjoyment, or satisfaction derived from the activity itself. For instance, a student who is intrinsically motivated to excel in a foreign language course genuinely wants to become fluent in the language. They find joy in learning and are fueled by their own internal drive. Research shows that intrinsic motivation is closely linked to higher performance and predicts academic success.
On the other hand, extrinsic motivation stems from external factors and involves contingent rewards. This type of motivation is driven by tangible rewards or praise that is contingent upon achieving certain outcomes. For example, a student may be motivated to do well in a foreign language course because they receive a reward or compliments for good grades. This external motivation relies on external incentives and can include approval from others, such as parents or teachers.
Understanding these different types of motivation can help parents and educators design strategies to effectively motivate children to study. By fostering intrinsic motivation through creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences, encouraging autonomy, and supporting personal goals, children are more likely to be self-driven and perform better academically. Balancing extrinsic rewards with intrinsic motivators can also be effective in motivating children, as long as the focus remains on fostering a genuine love for learning and personal growth.
5 tips to motivate your child to study
Here are five tips to motivate your child to study.
1. Find the root problem
The first step is to understand the problem. As parents, you need to find out the reason behind your child’s resistance to studies. What is it that pushes them away from books? There can be several reasons like low self-esteem, anxiety, fear, or inability to grasp what is being taught.
After getting acquainted with the reasons, try to help your child accordingly. Try to build their self-confidence. Motivate them to ask their doubts in the class. Understand the problem and help children in finding a solution to it because by doing so, you would enable them to move forward and develop an interest in studies.
2. Provide the suitable environment
An hour of productive studies requires a suitable environment. Be it children or adults, without proper surroundings, no one can carry on with their studies sincerely. Try to build a peaceful and quiet place that is free of distractions so that children find it easy to settle down and concentrate on their studies.
Before studying, ensure your child are not hungry; provide them with a light snack and plenty of water because this increases their focus and makes them active. Make tools like eraser, pencil, pen, etc. easily available to them. Set up the studying environment in the place where they are most happy.
3. Make a timetable
We all know that nowadays children have a lot of things to do, so much that they tend to forget about their studies and lose interest in it. If you organize the tasks they are supposed to do and set time limits, they would be able to finish the tasks properly and efficiently. This would also leave them with ample time to study. Moreover, make timetables simple and according to your child. The timetable, for example, should include the following things:
- All tasks they are supposed to perform with time
- Ample amount of breaks
- Homework, extra-curricular activities, and free play.
Recommended reading: 3 Reasons Why Routines are Essential for Working Mothers
4. Give them break
It is unfair if someone just made you do loads of work the whole day, draining your energy and not providing enough time to reenergize yourself. Similarly, children need enough breaks between tasks to energize themselves. They have a developing brain capable of taking a small amount of information at a time and need breaks to remain fit. Thus, don’t let your kid get all stressed. This would only distance them from studying. For de-stressing, go for a walk, listen to music, let them do coloring or art and craft, do some exercise, play, etc.
Recommended reading: 7 Tips To Increase Concentration In Children
5. Make studying a fun affair
It is possible that your child avoids studying because they find it boring. When it comes to studies, we tend to follow what our elders have taught us. Hence, a cycle is created in which a particular way of studying becomes the norm. But you don’t have to conform to that norm if it is not helping your child. Find new ways to make studying interesting. Increase your child’s curiosity to learn about something.
Teach them not only through books but games too. Explain concepts with relatable examples. Help them learn, not mug up. Don’t pressurize them with the expectations of good grades and great milestones. This will make studies scary and not interesting.
Grades do not matter at an early age, but knowledge and the amount of time for which children can retain the information do. It is not entirely false when people say that when children study, parents too restart their schooling.
Tips to motivate your child to study during exams
Motivating children during exams is crucial to help them perform their best. As a parent, you can play a significant role in supporting and encouraging your child during this time.
Here are some additional tips to motivate children during exams.
1. Provide emotional support
Show empathy and understanding towards your child’s exam-related stress and anxieties. Offer emotional support and reassurance that their best effort is what matters. Be available to listen to their concerns, provide encouragement, and offer words of motivation.
2. Practice effective time management
Help your child develop good time management skills. Teach them to prioritize tasks, create a study plan, and allocate time wisely to different subjects. Effective time management can reduce stress and increase productivity.
3. Celebrate achievements
Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during the exam period. Acknowledge their hard work, effort, and progress. Celebrations can include small rewards, family outings, or special treats to motivate and uplift their spirits.
4. Lead by example
Show your child the importance of a positive attitude towards exams and lifelong learning by being a role model. Demonstrate your own dedication to personal growth and education, and share stories of how you overcame challenges through hard work and perseverance.
5. Keep communication open
Maintain open communication with your child throughout the exam period. Encourage them to share their concerns, ask questions, or seek help when needed. Be supportive and offer guidance while respecting their autonomy.
Tips to motivate your child to study during online classes
Motivating children during online classes can be a challenging task for parents. However, with the right strategies, you can help your children stay engaged and motivated.
Here are some additional tips to keep your child motivated during online classes.
1. Create a dedicated workspace
Designate a specific area in your home for your child’s online learning. Make sure it is clean, organized, and free from distractions. A dedicated workspace can help your child focus and get into the learning mindset.
2. Establish a routine
Set a consistent schedule for your child’s online classes. Having a routine helps create structure and predictability, which can enhance your child’s motivation and productivity. Ensure that your child follows a regular wake-up time, gets dressed, and starts their classes at the designated time.
3. Incorporate interactive activities
Find ways to make online learning interactive and engaging. Encourage your child to participate actively by asking questions, joining discussions, and completing hands-on activities. You can also explore educational websites, interactive games, or virtual field trips to make learning more enjoyable.
4. Provide regular breaks
Allow your child to take short breaks between classes or during longer sessions. Breaks provide an opportunity for relaxation, physical movement, and refreshment. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities or hobbies they enjoy during these breaks to recharge their energy and maintain focus.
5. Communicate with teachers
Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and actively communicate about their progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Collaborate with educators to understand how you can further support your child’s motivation and learning experience.
Remember, every child is unique, and it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for your child. Be patient, flexible, and supportive throughout their online learning journey.
Conclusion: Motivate your child to study
Let’s not make studies scary for children. Try to develop kids’ interest in studies first and then worry about the time they spend studying. Motivate your child to study and help them build confidence. Once children find interest in studies, you won’t have anything to worry about as far as academics is concerned. And let them learn, not mug.
