LINE BRUNET: If you spend a significant amount of time around children, you probably wouldn't think they needed motivation. Children naturally burst with energy and unprovoked enthusiasm. Heck, when was the last time you suddenly broke out into a hop, skip and a jump during a casual stroll?

On the flip side, ask a child to do something they don't want to do and you'll soon learn the need for motivation. They drag their feet, make excuses and even roll around on the floor complaining they're tired or their legs hurt.

From one parent to another, I feel your frustration. However, instead of getting angry, think of it as a teaching opportunity. Our children are one of the most important and precious people in our lives and we want what's best for them. It's our job to instil the desire within them to strive to do well in all things. Children, just like adults, can develop motivational roadblocks that hold them back from achieving what they're meant to do.

Today's generation has Internet, television, video games, and social networking and so
motivating our children has gotten more difficult. The struggle to have them complete homework and chores around the house is difficult enough, but now parents are faced with getting their children to go outside to get some fresh air and exercise. When I was a kid, our parents couldn't get us back in the house!

Here are some simple strategies you can use to help you motivate your children:

1. Genuinely praise your child. You've heard the phrase, 'Too much of a good thing.' It applies to praising your child as well. Children know whether you are being authentic or not. raising every little thing they do can create self-esteem issues later in life. They can become sensitized to continuous praise and it will no longer be a motivator for them. However, when your child accomplishes something, no matter how big or small, be sure to express how proud you are of them. If they know that they've made you happy, they're more apt to strive to make that happen again.

2. Don't nag them about their mistakes. We all make mistakes and focusing on them doesn't make anyone feel good. While it is necessary at times to point them out, it's much more productive to offer constructive criticism in a way that points to what they did do right. Telling them what they did well teaches them exactly what to do next time. Focusing on the negative does not provide a solution.

3. Show pride in your child's work and accomplishments. Display their report card on the fridge or frame a piece of artwork and hang it proudly for everyone to see. Call grandma and tell her what a great job little Johnny or Jenny did. When your child's accomplishments are proudly displayed or talked about, they'll be motivated to achieve as much as they can.

4. Use rewards (Cautiously). Everyone likes to be rewarded for good work and a reward or bonus can be a great motivator, BUT (and it's a big one!), just like praise, too much can backfire on you. If children are rewarded for everything they do it loses its appeal. Pride in doing your best should be the primary reward. However, there are times when you need some backup such as requiring good behaviour in a certain situation or completing a special project. You can try things like a particular treat or toy, dinner and a movie or whatever interests them. Children copy us so model your own pride when you accomplish something or complete a task.

5. Support their dreams. Show interest in their natural talents as well as what they like. If your child is drawn to music, sign them up to play an instrument or bring them to a musical production. Perhaps their passion is sports. Whatever it is, show interest and help support it. As a child grows, their interests can change frequently so, as a parent, it's important that you keep up with your child's likes and dislikes and find out whether it's a passion or just a passing interest.

6. Let them be kids. Naturally, we want our children to succeed, but sometimes parents over schedule them. Some children lead very busy lives. With school, homework, chores and after school activities, when do children get to just be children? Children deserve down time too. If you give them some free time to do what they want, whether it's playing video games, watching television, or anything else they choose, it will keep them motivated to do other things as well.

Remember that each child is unique. When your child's motivation waivers, try using one of these motivating tips so that you can point them in the right direction and maybe make your job a little easier too.

Nov 9, 2010 - 8:12 PM

Angela West-Roots -

what a great article, I especially like #3 and #5 :)