Understanding what drives a child’s self-motivation is a big part of helping that child pursue a difficult goal. Obviously, it’s exponentially harder to work at something when you don’t have motivation. If you can turn something that feels like a grind to a child into a process built on their innate motivation, it’s like magically […]
There are two ways I approach understanding what innately motivates a child. First, I like to look at their behaviors using the Strengths Based Parenting approach. Yearning: What activities or environments is your child repeatedly drawn to or eager to try? Rapid learning: What new skills or activities does your child pick up quickly and easily? Satisfaction: When […]
Research shows that self-motivated kids are happier and healthier than those who are motivated by carrot and stick tactics. Parents intuitively know this. When a child does something he or she enjoys (i.e. play video games), they tend to put all of their energy and effort into doing that activity to the best of their […]