How do you motivate your kids?

[feline]

I just would like to ask this question for those who have experienced having children who weren't very motivated to study. How did you motivate your kids to do better?

[Amy]

It's a tricky balance between wanting to please (i.e. that parents, teacher, etc) and having the pride of an accomplishment well done as well as the pride in themselves. there will be manysuggestions on what WILL work, so let me put on out there that I feel definately DOESN'T work and actually works against you in the long run. Don't give false praise to your children. Bythat I mean, not everything they do is worht gushing over - it's not all perfect or absolutely wonderful. I have seen parents do this and kids are not stupid - they know when something is average or mediocre and when there's a constant barrage of praise, they come to distrust it.

[kelkat]

I use charts to motivate my kids. They enjoy being able to check things off as they go, they are learning organizations, and I'm able to give away some of the chores in the house.

Actually, marking things off my own to do list is motivating for me as well.

[Melos]

I homeschool my sons and this is a problem with my eldest sometimes. I use appropriate praise. Not saying "Oh, you are so wonderful! What a super duper square!" (or whatever). I point out what good qualities were necessary to make that perfect square and explain why they are important in life. He gets the idea that studying actually teaches something he wants to know.

[jaescafe]

It all comes down to (at least with younger kids) outsmarting them I have found. I get them to do something without them really knowing it. I don't really bribe them (usually), but like with my daughter (she is 3) I will tell her to through something in the garbage and then I say "on your marks, get set, GO!!!" That works with her, but not my son.

[kelkat]

For the younger kids, we make a game of it. I'll even time how quickly they can clean their room or something like that.

For the older kids, they recieve allowance - if they check off everything on their list.

Also, I have a "treat box" with inexpensive toys and crafts that they get to pick out of if they do extra things or are well mannered or do especially well on something.

[Amy]

Th eproblem with "outsmarting" your kids, is that if this in the only way you motivate them, then it won't be long before they get too smart for that. Hopefully along the way they are buidling the self esteeem taht necessary to motivate themselve sin the long run.

[Melos]

I think it is also possible to make studying fun for a kid, but only if you will take the time to do it. A math worksheet can be made more fun by using manipulatives such as M&Ms (candy) or by having math races. I think a lot of the time, just having a positive attitude and sitting down with your child to help gets the thing done.

[kelkat]

My kids are motivated by my own motivation. When I get up and get going, they learn to get up and get going. I'm teaching by example!

[Melos]

That's the best way there is kelkat
Inspiration plus positive reinforcement are the two greatest tools of parenting.