1. Create a pleasant learning atmosphere

Learning is easier when children feel comfortable. Make sure there is a quiet, well-lit workspace – free from distractions like a TV or toys. A comfortable chair, something to drink and a small healthy snack help create a relaxed learning mood. This positive atmosphere helps to get into learning mode stress-free – without any pressure.

2. Schedule enough breaks

Children have a significantly shorter attention span than adults. Instead of long learning sessions, content should be divided into small stages with concrete interim goals. Regular breaks not only improve concentration but also create a sense of achievement that boosts motivation. Ideal: 20–30 minutes of learning time, then 5–10 minutes of break.

3. Give your child space to make their own choices

Learning works best when it comes from intrinsic motivation – and that also includes, being allowed to learn independently. Let your child, therefore, repeatedly make their own decisions: What will be done first, when should the break come, and do voluntary tasks really have to be done today?

4. Take your child seriously

Even though you as parents know that homework has to be done – take your child seriously when they simply don't feel like it or think it's all impossible to manage. Your honest understanding works wonders for your child's motivation.

5. Let your child explain

Give your child the reins and let them explain to you what they have just learned. Ask questions and thus ensure that the children can explain content in their own words. This promotes learning and strengthens self-confidence.

6. Support your child

Whether good or bad grades: support your children by pointing out what has already gone well and that you believe in them.That encourages and motivates.

7. Stay relaxed

Easier said than done – but the best way you can support your children in learning is a relaxed, appreciative atmosphere. Take a few deep breaths when you notice your patience is running out. And make sure you also take breaks when it becomes too much.

Tips on how you can motivate your children in everyday life

• Provide reassurance:

  Show your child that you will always support them when needed

• Let them try on their own:

  Allow your child to try things independently and on their own initiative

• Praise:

  Praise your child for successes - even if they didn't reach the big goal

• Coping with setbacks:

  Make your child aware of what they can already do - and suggest a second attempt

• Avoid performance pressure:

  Don't impose your 'adult' standards; let your child go at their own pace

• Accept lack of motivation:

  It's perfectly normal for a child to sometimes have no desire at all to learn or try something

• Follow their interests:

  Children are much more ambitious when they are genuinely interested in something - let them discover their interests on their own

Motivation for children – building the foundations for their own drive

The origin of the term „motivation“ lies in the Latin motus for movement or drive. In the original meaning of the word, motivation therefore denotes the reasons for an action and thus a drive that comes from within a person.

If you follow this definition, it is not possible to motivate other people. You cannot 'put' the inner drive into someone. However, you can certainly support someone in developing this drive.

Prepare paths instead of prescribing them

Parents who want to motivate their children should not apply their own performance standards. Persuading or even forcing a child to do something will actually slow their own drive in the long term. Rather, parents can for their children:

• Prepare paths, to try things out for themselves

• Create incentives, to discover their own motivation

• Support, instead of providing solutions

How much motivation does my child need?

Having motivation is important, we can all agree on that. But it's also important that the drive may come from the children themselves. Where can you support your child's motivation and where might it perhaps be too much?

General development

Even though the prevailing push to constantly promote development suggests otherwise: children basically do not need motivation to develop healthily. The playful learning and discovery is part of their nature and, if you let them, on its own at the center of their everyday life.

Tip: Of course you can support your child when it comes to learning to walk, language acquisition, cycling or dexterity in painting and crafts – but you cannot accelerate this development.

School and learning

For many children the step from kindergarten to school is a big adjustment. Obligations and assessments now increase. You can strengthen your child's self-confidence, by always assuring them of your support, but letting them try it themselves first. For example with homework.

Tip: Don't be too perfectionistic – praise your child when they have completed their tasks on their own. And talk to your child about school to find out whether they need support.

Challenges

Jumping from the three-meter diving board, going into the dark cellar, or even shaking a stranger's hand – every child has certain fears or reservations. Be understanding and don't force anything when something is difficult for your child to overcome. And: never make fun of fears.

Tip:Sometimes talking about fears helps; sometimes the best motivation is that your child knows they are not under pressure to do or be able to do certain things. Support them through challenges until your child can manage on their own.

Dealing with failures – How to help your child through setbacks

Coping with failures

Achievement and learning successes are becoming increasingly important even for children. What we as parents should not forget is the fact that achievement and setbacks go hand in hand.

Tip: Help your children learn, how to cope with setbacks can cope and not let setbacks throw them off course.

Strengthening children's self-confidence

A strong self-confidence makes children feel secure and motivates them, to try new things. In the process, children learn important skills and also how to handle their own limits. This starts in toddlerhood and continues throughout childhood.

Tip: Support your child, but always let them experience their own successes. This will also help them handle setbacks more confidently.

Dealing with ambition

Some children are naturally more ambitious than others. They need little motivation at school, in sports, or during play. Ambitious children, however, also suffer more from failures.

Tip: Consciously discuss successes with your child and point out, all they have accomplished.

Show appreciation

Setbacks should never be condemned. Even if you practiced together for a long time for the failed math test – failures are part of life.

Tip: Make it clear to your child that they did everything to perform well and that you are proud of their perseverance.

Image credits

Father helps child with learning © JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com