Motivation is one of the key ingredients for success in a child. Good grades are attained through hard work and persistence, but it is the motivational factor that keeps students from giving up and keeps them striving for more.

As a parent, there are many things you can do to help increase your child’s motivation in school.

Expectations

Discuss your academic expectations with your child. Include your definition of “academic success”, discuss potential repercussions for a lack of effort and also discuss how you will be involved in the process. Make sure that this is a discussion and that your child clearly understands your expectations.

Also, this is a good time for your child to express their own expectations along with their fears or concerns. Make sure that you are on the same page with your child and work as team.

Consistency

Consistency is key to staying focused and organized. Try to establish a consistent time for your child to complete their homework, such as after dinner, and in the same place each time. Once they do this for a couple weeks it will become a habit and something that they will do automatically. It also starts teaching them about time management and how to prioritize.

Purpose

What is the purpose of an education? If you child doesn’t understand why they need to go to school, it won’t be as important to them. Express the importance of school to your child and what a good education can mean for their future.

This also applies to homework assignments and tests. Often your child will not see the importance of completing a particular homework assignment, so you must keep them focused on the big picture.

Time

Conquer things one at a time. It is hard to stay motivated when you feel overwhelmed by tests, homework, sports practice, chores and the 8 years of school you may have ahead of you. Help your child focus on one thing at a time, such as completing the next homework assignment, or focusing on daily or weekly goals.

Help them with their time management with a calendar or to-do lists. This will help your child see what they have to complete in the upcoming week and will make them feel more prepared and confident.

Positive Reinforcement

During a child’s years of schooling there will be times when they feel defeated, helpless or lost and it is important to be there for support. Encourage your child to keep trying and that it is normal for everyone one to hit a few bumps in the road. Help them to learn from their mistakes and discuss ways to avoid future incidents.

Additionally, be there for support when they are succeeding. Congratulate them on a good test score or when they bring home good grades.

Motivation can also be passed down to your child from your own motivation. Just by showing interest in your child’s education will help improve their own motivation and overall academic success.