8 tips for motivating parents
1. Don't tackle too many things at once!
The child should choose only one goal or a few important goals they want to achieve. They should also think about what they will do to reach them.
2. Set realistic goals:
It isn't realistic to improve an English grade from a 5 to a 2 in just four months. Goals set too low, on the other hand, lead to boredom. What's important is the right balance between ability and challenge.
3. Phrase them correctly:
Personal, concrete, without reservations, with a deadline and phrased as if the goal were already achieved, for example "I have a 2 in German at the end of the school year." Positive wording also helps: "I took part attentively in history lessons at the end of the school year" instead of "I don't disrupt lessons so often any more."
4. Picture the future:
The more vivid the image of the goal, the better the pupil can work towards achieving it. For example, how great will it feel to be promoted to the next year?
5. Celebrate small successes too:
Every small successful step that leads to the big goal is at least worth warm praise, if not a small celebration. Parents should also acknowledge the little positive changes that may not yet have shown up in an improved grade.
6. Praise motivates,
it makes the child proud and strengthens self‑confidence. Praise should be honest, immediate, specific, free of reservations and expressed positively.
7. Enjoy breaks from studying:
If the child knows that, after the next Latin test, they will have four days off from studying, they can look forward to it in advance and consciously experience that time as a break.
8. Surprise instead of reward:
Rather than promising a present in advance for a good grade, it is better to surprise your child afterwards with a reward. The joy of such an unexpected recognition often motivates far 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
