8 tips for motivating parents
1. Don't work on too many things at the same time!
The child should choose only one goal or a few important goals they want to achieve. They should also consider what they will do to achieve them.
2. Set realistic goals:
Improving the English grade from a 5 to a 2 in just four months isn't feasible. Goals set too low, on the other hand, lead to boredom. Finding the right balance between abilities and challenges is important.
3. Formulate it correctly:
Personal, concrete, without qualifiers, with a deadline for completion, and phrased as if the goal is already achieved, for example 'I have a 2 in German at the end of the school year.' Positive formulations are also helpful: 'I have worked attentively in history at the end of the school year' instead of 'I don't disturb so often anymore.'
4. Paint a picture of the future:
The more detailed the mental image of the goal, the better the student can work toward achieving it. For example, how great will it feel to be promoted to the next grade?
5. Celebrate even small successes:
All successful small steps that lead to the big goal are at least worth hearty praise, if not even a small celebration. Parents should also acknowledge all the small positive changes that may not yet be reflected in a better grade.
6. Praise motivates,
makes one proud and strengthens self-confidence. Praise should be honest, immediate, concrete, without reservation, and formulated positively.
7. Enjoy study breaks:
If the child knows that after the next Latin exam it will have four days off from studying, it can already look forward to it and consciously use the time as rest.
8. Surprise instead of reward:
Instead of promising a gift in advance for a good grade, it's better to surprise the child with a reward afterwards. The joy from such unexpected recognition often motivates much more.
Image credits
Father praises his son while they work together at the table © ArtSys - stock.adobe.com
Mother and daughter are lying on the sofa © NDABCREATIVITY - stock.adobe.com
