Many children have the habit of being lazy and not taking the initiative to study, which is not unique to any particular child. The most frustrating thing for parents is not knowing how to address this issue, leading to scolding, criticism, and punishments that do not help the child progress.
Even good students sometimes feel bored and unwilling to study. Every parent has gone through the student phase, but when it comes to teaching their own children, they often forget their own mentality as a student at that age. Therefore, sometimes, due to their child’s laziness, families become burdened or argue with each other because their child is not motivated to study.
Why is my child lazy to study?
There are many reasons why children are lazy to study. It may be because they don’t understand the lesson and are afraid to study, or they are afraid of being scolded, forced by their parents, or mocked, which makes them even more reluctant to study. Children may lack motivation to study, not understand the significance of studying, or find no joy in learning. They may study in an unsuitable environment, without friends to progress together and encourage each other, but only surrounded by the pressure to study in a certain way.
For some children, growing up in an environment where they see no point in studying in the future can lead them to believe that they do not need to study. A family that does not have a tradition of valuing education can also create a habit of laziness in their children.
Children are more interested in playing and may get distracted from studying because they focus more on having fun.
Ignite inspiration and treat your child’s laziness to study
Parents need to work together with teachers and family members to encourage children to study happily, without rushing or imposing achievements on them. Encourage your child to find joy in learning, explore their interests, choose what they want to learn instead of forcing them to learn according to the curriculum, so that you can understand what your child truly likes, dislikes, and why they are lazy to study. Many parents do not know why their child is lazy to study, and therefore focus on unnecessary goals, which only makes both parents and children tired. Find what motivates your child and you will know how to guide them to study diligently by applying it to their interests.
Every child is a unique individual with different interests and abilities, and it is extremely important for parents to recognize and accept their child as a unique individual. Instead of projecting their own goals and expectations onto their children, parents should encourage and support them to explore and develop their own passions. This will reduce pressure, help them find joy in learning, and contribute to their self-confidence and independence.
If your child is passionate about something unrelated to academic subjects, encourage them to pursue their passion, but also help them understand that even if they choose a different career path in the future, basic knowledge is still necessary for an independent and dynamic life in a constantly changing society. Instead of saying that without completing their academic studies, they won’t be able to do anything with their passion, tell them that they can pursue their passion, but they need a basic foundation of knowledge to support it. Explain to your child that as time and age change, their passion may change or they may want to change their goals, and in those situations, without a foundation of knowledge, they will encounter difficulties. From there, children will understand that studying is for their own benefit, not just for their parents.
Parents can participate in learning together with their child, but do not try to control or scrutinize them. Be a student alongside your child and share their learning journey. Parents can participate in learning activities with their child, watch educational videos together, discuss the content, or play educational games. This not only strengthens family bonds but also helps parents understand the learning process and the needs of their child. Then, create a positive learning environment where curiosity and exploration are encouraged.
For children who are lazy to study, never compare them or say hurtful words. Avoid saying things like “Other children are studying like this.” Such words only make them more afraid to study. Parents should value their child’s achievements, praise them for even small accomplishments, and encourage them.
Do not hold prejudices when talking to your child. Do not criticize them for their learning style, as this will only lead to unemployment. It is a mistake for parents to scold their children with heavy words when they see that their child is not studying as expected. Some parents go as far as pressuring their children to attend extra classes and study from morning to night every day of the week, which exhausts the child and makes them less inclined to study.
Some courageous parents, when they see that their child is more interested in playing than studying, stop reminding their child to study and instead allow them to play and request that they don’t go to school, encouraging them to skip school altogether. This approach makes the child bored with playing and makes them ask their parents for permission to go back to studying.
Now, what strategies do you have to treat your child’s laziness to study?