Keeping kids motivated during Term 4

As children start thinking about the end of year, Christmas, and summer holidays, it can be hard to keep them motivated to do their best in term 4. 

• Child Psychologist Eleanor Mackey offers the following tips: 
• Acknowledge that you understand it is difficult to stay focused. Let them know this is something we all experience sometimes.  Be careful not to label your child as “lazy” or “unmotivated”.
• Encourage and praise your child when they are staying on task or completing work.
•  Help your child list out the big and little things that need to get done. Put those tasks on a calendar so they can see what they need to do each day.
•  Schedule time each day to do homework. Some will benefit from getting their work done as soon as they get home, while others may need a mental/physical break between school and homework.
•  Find ways to motivate your child. Plan small rewards such as getting out of a chore or choosing a family movie or activity to encourage success. 

 More tips:

• Focus on the process of learning, not the results. That way, you cultivate a love of learning for its own sake.
• Use active listening by reflecting back what you hear your child saying to you, and then work with them to problem-solve. For example, “What I hear you saying is that you feel tired and over it. How can we work together to help you feel better about these last weeks of school?”
• Don’t make threats, offer collaboration and assistance instead
• Focus on your child’s strengths
• Gently remind them what is negotiable and what is non-negotiable but give them some agency in how they do things.

Have a great term 4.   

Doreen