Whether it’s innate talent or environmental influences, if parents truly want to encourage their children to strive and thrive, it’s essential to stimulate their intrinsic motivation.
To change children’s attitudes towards learning, parents need to find a way to ignite this inner fire. Here are four methods that parents can refer to.
Learning through play: Sparking a sense of achievement in children
In reality, learning often feels boring, and it’s hard to find joy in short-term successes.
So, what makes games attractive? It’s because we can level up as we play. Conquering these challenges brings joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Therefore, to encourage children to love learning, first give them the opportunity to experience academic achievements.
One of the most effective ways to stimulate intrinsic motivation is to let children take on the role of a “little teacher.” The feeling of pride in saying, “I’m better than my parents” will boost their confidence and interest in learning.
It’s normal for children to lack self-discipline, so parents should support and guide them in forming positive study habits.
It’s normal for children to lack self-discipline, and parents should support and guide them in forming positive study habits.
Appropriate rewards: Keeping children motivated
Every child has a desire to play and explore, especially during study time. It’s natural for children to hesitate and try to avoid facing challenges. At this stage, they usually prefer engaging in fun activities rather than sitting down to study or do homework.
To help children develop conscious study habits, parents need to provide reasonable encouragement. This means creating a positive and supportive learning environment where children feel safe to experiment and explore.
However, if parents are too strict, children may feel pressured and rebel. Pressure from adults can lead to discouragement and a loss of interest in learning. Therefore, finding a balance between encouraging studying and giving children the freedom to explore is crucial.
In this context, parents can implement a reasonable reward system to make learning more appealing and stimulate children’s passion for knowledge. Rewards don’t have to be material gifts; they can be words of praise, free playtime, or fun activities that the child enjoys. When children feel that their efforts are recognized and valued, they will be more motivated to continue learning.
When children feel that their efforts are recognized and valued, they will be more motivated to continue learning.
Allow children to explore freely
Children’s lack of intrinsic motivation is often a result of parents intervening too much in their learning process. When parents constantly push, remind, or criticize, children feel a lack of autonomy and lose the joy of learning. An overly supervised environment can lead to resistance or discouragement. Children need to understand that learning is their own journey, where they have the right to decide and take control.
Learning and completing homework are responsibilities that children need to take on themselves. In this context, experts advise parents to become “relaxed parents,” meaning they should give children the initiative and control over their learning. This doesn’t mean neglecting them but rather creating a conducive environment where they can explore and develop freely.
When children feel they have sufficient autonomy in their studies, they will maximize their abilities and enthusiasm. When they realize they have a choice, they will be more proactive in investigating, studying, and exploring areas of interest. In this way, children not only learn but also truly enjoy their learning process.
When children feel they have autonomy in their studies, they will maximize their abilities and enthusiasm.
Sparking a passion for learning: Understanding children’s interests
Many parents don’t pay enough attention to their children’s curiosity about the world around them and their self-discovery because they prioritize academic performance.
An excessive focus on studying without considering children’s interests can lead to discouragement and a lack of motivation. Children need not only knowledge but also diverse experiences to develop holistically.
Therefore, helping children recognize their intrinsic value and motivation through exploring their interests is crucial. You can start this journey with simple activities like drawing, learning music, playing sports, or experimenting with science.
When children are encouraged to engage in their favorite activities, they feel more comfortable expressing themselves and discovering their potential. This not only helps them develop skills but also creates joy in the learning process.
When children’s curiosity is sparked, learning becomes vibrant and no longer dull. They will look forward to going to school each day because the connection between their interests and learning creates a positive learning experience. This motivates them to explore more and develop continuously.
Moreover, when allowed to explore their interests, children will gradually develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Seeking information and engaging in activities related to their passions not only teaches them to ask questions but also trains them to find answers and apply knowledge to real-life situations.
This process can lead to a noticeable shift in children’s perception of learning. Instead of seeing it as a chore, learning becomes an exciting journey that encourages them to explore the world with passion.
