Keeping Kids Motivated

Content on this page updated April 3, 2020

Research shows providing children with choices can decrease problem behavior related to an attempt to get out of doing work (Romaniuk et al., 2002). Choices can be built into instruction as simply as asking them what they would like to do first, where they would like to complete their work, or even the person they would like to complete their work with. You must find a method that works for your family but make sure to give them some choices.

Make sure your goals are attainable, especially in the beginning. Providing a large amount of work upfront may cause an increase in noncompliance. Start easy and gradually increase the amount of work.

Provide a lot of positive praise and feedback. Children love positive adult attention. Make sure you are frequently letting them know you are proud of how hard they are working. If you can, allow your child to work towards a goal. For example, if John finishes 20 minutes of grammar he can play a video game or tablet for 5 minutes. Incorporate things they like to do as a goal to work toward for completing work.