We live in a world that offers instant gratification and rewards where idling, unstructured time may often be misrepresented or interpreted as being bored. The next time you encourage a reward for completing a necessary task, ask yourself “Are your children motivated extrinsically (from the outside in) or intrinsically (from the inside out?)”.
Children who need to be constantly entertained or get bored when they are alone, are typically motivated extrinsically-from the outside in. They want someone to tell them what to do or give them ideas that are motivated by rewards and structure. On the other hand, children motivated intrinsically,from the inside out, choose activities based on something inside of them that makes them excited. As we all have moments of motivation fostered by an external or an internal factor, learning to become internally motivated has more benefits for learning and personal self confidence.
Encouraging a child to be motivated to do well in school can be challenging when students are not naturally motivated intrinsically. If parenting tactics such as promising money, rewards, or praise are offered, most students will find the fastest and easiest way of getting by and then will move onto something else. However, when a child is motivated from the inside out, a lifetime of learning will be launched. A child who is motivated from the inside will:
Here are some suggestions to help your child become motivated to do well in school:
Children who need to be constantly entertained or get bored when they are alone, are typically motivated extrinsically-from the outside in. They want someone to tell them what to do or give them ideas that are motivated by rewards and structure. On the other hand, children motivated intrinsically,from the inside out, choose activities based on something inside of them that makes them excited. As we all have moments of motivation fostered by an external or an internal factor, learning to become internally motivated has more benefits for learning and personal self confidence.
Encouraging a child to be motivated to do well in school can be challenging when students are not naturally motivated intrinsically. If parenting tactics such as promising money, rewards, or praise are offered, most students will find the fastest and easiest way of getting by and then will move onto something else. However, when a child is motivated from the inside out, a lifetime of learning will be launched. A child who is motivated from the inside will:
- Have fun while learning and trying new activities
- Discover new things about him or herself in the process
- Enjoy the challenges of attempting new ideas and concepts
- Feel confident and curious to try something new
- Is excited about learning new things
Here are some suggestions to help your child become motivated to do well in school:
- Make a connection to what your child is learning in school to a real life situation. For example is you child is learning about fractions at school, identify all the fractions in recipes while cooking or at the sales while shopping.
- Help your child identify areas within the curricula that are interesting. There is a good chance your child may not have yet made a positive connection to an area of learning and will feel better about it when the connection is made. Focus on making connections fun!
- When your child doesn’t get along with a particular friend, encourage your child to focus on the positive qualities that friend offers. We are not intended to get along with everyone; however, each individual has a strength that may not be recognized and everyone is encouraged to be respectful.