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4 New Ideas to Help
You Motivate Your Children
by Jason Gracia
Motivation is not
only important for adults, but also for children.
What they learn as children will have an enormous impact on the
rest of their lives.
To teach them about motivation and
goals at an early age will give them the necessary tools for a happy
and prosperous future.
1. TALK WITH THEM
Notice the title is not Talk 'To' Them. When dealing with this
subject, let them do some of the talking. They may surprise you as
they try to come up with concepts and ideas all on their own.
Many children do not understand the importance of goal setting and
having a positive attitude. Simply sitting down with your children and
talking with them about this subject will help them to understand why
they need motivation and goals in their lives.
When speaking with your kids, remember they are only kids. The ideas
you use must be a little less complex and a little more fun than
usual. The next tip will help you to make goals more fun for you and
your children.
2. MAKE IT A GAME
The great thing about goals is that they are a game. People,
especially children, love to play games. When you find out what you
want, try to make a game out of it.
For example, if you want your children to excel in school, you could
set up a chart on the fridge. Begin by having your child set goals for
the upcoming report card. You may have to help them at this stage. You
can make sure that their goals are attainable and challenging.
Each time they bring home their grades, you could chart their progress
on the fridge. Because their grade goals are on the chart, they will
be able to see how they are doing compared to their stated goals. If
they are below their goal, it will help to motivate them to work a
little harder. If they meet or exceed their goal, they will be excited
and happy about their accomplishments.
Some parents believe giving money for grades is a good system. I think
this system may be a little more useful for both you and your
children.
3. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Your kids learn the most from you. If you would like to see certain
traits in your children, then lead by example. If you would like them
to be motivated and excited about things, do the same. If you would
like your children to use goals, you too should use goals in your
daily life.
When they see you doing what you are teaching, your lessons will sink
in. If you say one thing and do another, your children will have a
very hard time believing in the importance of what you teach.
4. GIVE THEM FEEDBACK
When you have a goal or deadline at work, and you reach it, you would
like feedback from the top, right? Your children are no different. For
example, if you set goals with them about keeping their rooms clean
and then never tell them how they are doing, the desired outcome won't
last for very long.
When they do a good job, make sure you tell them that you noticed and
that you are very proud of their accomplishment. It will not only make
them feel important and successful, it will also engrain the lessons
which you are trying to teach. If they need to try harder, praise them
for their work but let them know that you expect more of them.
Motivation and goals are just as important for your children as they
are for you. With a few simple tools you can help to raise your
children with a strong foundation in goal setting and hard work.
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