Parenting Tips: Bring on the Motivation and Forget the Nagging

Getting a child to do what you want can be challenging, considering the probability of them throwing a tantrum. Kids may also fail to do something if you appear to be nagging. As a parent, you need to come up with healthy and fun ways to motivate get kids to keep learning new things without nagging them.

Teenagers, especially, are prone to developing risky behavior like drug abuse when they feel trapped. Promoting positive reinforcement will go a long way in instilling good behavior in children as opposed to criticism.

Some of the ways you can achieve intrinsic motivation while making learning fun for kids include:

Allow kids to make some choices

More often than not, parents think they have the best intentions at heart for their kids.

Astonishingly, children may feel pressured into doing something if they didn’t have a choice in the first place.

Allowing your kids to make choices for their preferred entertainment and fun activities will keep them motivated.

Your child may want to sign up for piano classes for kids because they have a love of music. They might like how their friend down the street can play the piano.

Kids who have a chance of making important choices in their lives can better explore their talents and use their skills.

Encourage social interaction

This digital era comes with many gadgets and applications to keep kids busy when learning and during recreational time.

The problem is, the digital approach discourages real-life social interaction as users hide behind their devices.

Psychology shows that social interaction does not only encourage positive behavior in kids but also makes learning fun.

Let children help set the schedule

As a parent, you may feel it’s your responsibility to set schedules for your kids. However, did you consider the kids might want something included in their lives?

Kids are more likely to accept the expected guidelines if they are involved in setting them.

For instance, let the kids help set the desired study time, and you can decide on bedtime. If the children value the schedule, they are more likely to adhere to it.

Be empathetic and appreciative

Children are also human beings that need understanding like their parents. If kids recognize that you value their perspectives, then they will believe you understand them better.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, various families have created schedules that make working and studying at home fun.

For example, you may decide that everyone should dress up every morning. To show empathy for your kids, explain that dressing up is a family routine, although you will be indoors all day.

Also, if the kids meet the goals you’ve set for them, like completing schoolwork or getting up before the alarm rings, congratulate them.

Appreciate the little effort the children put into sticking to the schedule and following the house rules.

Clarify your instructions

Curiosity is a natural trait in kids as they want to know everything. A child may throw something on the ground just out of curiosity to see what happens next.

As a parent, you should explain every instruction and expectation, so the kids have all the necessary details.

For example, you can explain why your child needs to study hard to get them to do the homework. Rather than scolding kids, get them inspired to aspire more.

If the child dreams of becoming a pilot, for example, explain that this top career requires excellent academic performance.

Avoid incentives when you can

Some parents think that rewarding their kids motivates them, while in essence, they are spoiling them. Children may refuse to do something until you assure them of compensation later.

To motivate the kids to do what you want, why don’t you exploit their natural curiosity? You can get the kids to do something they love and enjoy for free by instilling the inclination to work.

Set realistic and achievable goals for the kids to keep them motivated.

With the above effective strategies, parents can motivate children when they are learning new things without nagging them.

Showing support and empathy will display your understanding of the kids and encourage maximum learning.

However, you first need to understand your kids, what motivates them, what they love, their goals, and interests for an efficient approach. Good luck!