How do I motivate my children to work hard in school?

Answer 1

"In school" sounds like your kids go to school, but this is the homeschooling section, so I'm not sure if you mean to work hard in their homeschooling or what. You also don't say how old your children are.

To give a very general response, you don't motivate your children. They have their own interests which motivate them. Please don't use rewards--then your children are working for the rewards and not the learning. They're also picking up the message that there's no need to work hard for themselves, only if there's some artificial bonus involved. There's also been research done to show how reward programs can end up backfiring.

The best thing to do would be to sit down with them, depending on their age, and talk to them about their education long-term, what kind of marks they would like, what they think they need to do to achieve those marks. They have to see the worth of working hard, for the right reasons, to find the motivation to do it.

Answer 2

Very good question, I have the same with my brothers and sisters. What I have found works is a star chart, when they have done all the work they need to for a day / week, put a star up. Once they have 15 or 20 offer them something like a candy bar, a new book or they can earn a different sticker to get a bigger prize. This will have them working to get something they have always wanted.
{ works best for younger children aged 4 to 12, however it is great for any age }

Answer 3

Big question, and difficult. My wife and I spent a lot of time pushing and nagging our kids to study and do well. Now they are grown they are both successful, although only one of them has had academic success. I think the best course you can follow is to take an interest in your kids studies and offer them support. Limit the amount of time they spend on non-productive activities such as computer games. Try and provide a structured home and family life - not always easy with today's lifestyle. I think it helps if you encourage other useful activities, sport, music, cub scouts, etc in your kids' lives as well as study. Recognise that not all children can excel at school no matter how hard they work. Let them know that life offers a variety of options and that you will respect their choices, even if this is what you would not choose for them if it was up to you. Best of luck and try not to stress out.

Answer 4

Make learning fun. Make it real. Take what they are learning and put it to real life situations. I don't know your children's age or likes but find out what they are going to be learning and prep them. For example, if they are going to be studying the Civil War get books or videos from the library on it or go on the internet when they are not around and find some good sights with pictures. Sit down with them and let them review the stuff you found and then start a conversation about it. Ask them questions of what they think. day trips or memberships to museums, aquariums, and local groups are great places to get your child motivated.

Experience will be the greatest teacher to your child. It may take much planning and effort from you but it will be worth it. English and math are the two subjects that are tough to have specific experiences BUT the great thing about them is that the kids can learn both in every situation they encounter.

Presenting the info or experiences to your child PRIOR to their class will creat a greater interest and desire to learn. Think about it! If they can relate what is being taught to them to what they have already experienced, their mind will more welcoming to the info coming in. Rather then sitting there and feeling inadequate.

Also give them quit time to study. Sit near by quietly setting an example by reading or educating yourself on something of interest (but preferably not on the internet). Good study habits are the backbone to learning. This is what will get them through college as well. Knowledge just does not pop into your head, it is learned somewhere. Geniuses have taken the time to absorb information that is presented or sought to themselves. They are not filled with intelligence by a snap of the fingers.

Bribing is a short term fix. Instilling excitement and a desire to know more is the key to a lifetime of learning. But don't forget, they are not going to be excited about every subject. Focus on what they seem to have an interest in and encourage them with questions and praise. The other subjects will follow the lead. Good luck!

Answer 5

Give them positive feedback for what they do, ask questions about their school day, and don't criticize them for not meeting your expectations. Take time to understand what they are dealing with in school because it's not all about academics. Encourage them to set goals for themselves, not just to get A's, but to do better than they have been. Insist they do their homework and get enough sleep every night. Get them tutoring if they need it. Buy them the best school supplies so they are always prepared. Overall, they will be more motivated when it comes from themselves, not something you make them do. Avoid fighting about the subject.

Answer 6

first you have to know your child ability don't force them to much...a grade of the marks is not everything, more important to teach them moral education how to be a good child.

Answer 7

give them an incentive to work hard. like a prize for every A on a test and so on an so forth.