1. Create a pleasant learning atmosphere

Learning is easier when children feel comfortable. Ensure a quiet, well-lit workspace - free from distractions like a TV or toys. A comfortable chair, something to drink, and a small healthy snack create a relaxed learning mood. This positive atmosphere helps to get into learning mode without stress - completely without 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 intermediate goals. Regular breaks not only promote concentration but also create success experiences that strengthen motivation. Ideal: 20-30 minutes of learning time, then 5-10 minutes break.

3. Give your child room for their own decisions

Learning works best when it happens out of intrinsic motivation - and that also includes, self-directed learning to be allowed. Therefore, let your child repeatedly make their own decisions: What will be done first, when should the break be, and do optional tasks really have to be done today?

4. Take your child seriously

Even if you as parents know that homework has to be done - take your child seriously when they simply don't feel like it or think that 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 have them explain to you what they have just learned. Ask questions and thus ensure that the children explain content in their own words can. This enhances learning and strengthens self-confidence.

6. Support your child

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

7. Stay relaxed

Easier said than done - but what helps you best support your children when they're learning is a a relaxed, appreciative atmosphere. Take a few deep breaths when you notice your patience is running out. And remember to take breaks yourself if it becomes too much.

Tips on how to motivate your children in everyday life

• Provide reassurance:

  Show your child that you always support them when needed

• Let them try on their own:

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

• Praise:

  Praise your child for their successes – even if they missed 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 apply your 'adult' standards, but let your child set their own pace

• Accept lack of motivation:

  It's perfectly normal for a child to sometimes not feel like learning or trying something

• Respond to their interests:

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

Motivation for children – foundations for creating their own drive

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

According to this definition, it is not possible to motivate other people. You cannot "place" the inner drive into someone. You can, however, support someone in developing this drive.

Pave the way rather than dictate the way

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

• Pave the way, to try things out for themselves

• Provide incentives, to discover their own motivation

• Support, instead of providing solutions

How much motivation does my child need?

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

General development

Even if the current craze for promoting 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 allow them, of their own accord at the center of their daily lives.

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

School and learning

For many children, the step from kindergarten to school is a big adjustment. Obligations and evaluation now increase. You can strengthen your child's self-confidence, by assuring them of support at any time, 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 independently. And talk with your child about school to find out if they need support.

Challenges

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

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

Coping with setbacks – How you can help your child through setbacks

Coping with setbacks

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

Tip: Help your children learn, how to cope with setbacks can cope and not be thrown off course by failures.

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 deal with their own limits. This begins 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. However, ambitious children also suffer more from setbacks.

Tip: Deliberately discuss successes with your child and point out, what they have achieved.

Show appreciation

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

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

Image credits

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