Skip to main content

Parents: Stop Nagging and Start Motivating

Today's article is geared more towards parents again... Let’s be honest—your child probably has never jumped off the couch shouting, “Wow, thanks for reminding me to do my homework for the fifth time!” While you want to keep your child on track, constant reminders can wear down both your patience and their enthusiasm. The good news? You can help your child stay motivated in school without turning into the household nag. Here’s how:

1. Focus on Effort, Not Just Grades

Instead of only celebrating A’s, praise the work that goes into getting them. Recognizing effort—whether it’s finishing a tough assignment or studying without being asked—teaches your child that hard work matters more than perfection.

Try this: Swap “Why didn’t you get an A?” with “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that project!”

2. Let Them Set Small Goals

Big goals like “Get straight A’s” can feel overwhelming. Help your child break schoolwork into bite-sized goals—like finishing a chapter today or improving their next quiz score. Small wins keep motivation high.

Try this: Ask, “What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish this week?” and help them map out a plan to get there.

3. Give Them Some Control

Kids are more likely to stay motivated when they feel in charge of their own success. Allow your child to make choices—like picking their study time or deciding which subject to tackle first.

Try this: Instead of “Do your homework now,” ask, “Would you rather study before or after dinner?”

4. Connect School to Real Life

If your child thinks school is pointless, motivation takes a nosedive. Show how their schoolwork connects to real-world interests—like how math helps with managing money or how writing improves communication (hello, future job applications!).

Try this: If they love video games, point out how strategy and problem-solving skills apply to both school and play.

5. Celebrate Progress (Even the Small Stuff)

Everyone loves a little reward. Celebrate progress and effort—whether it’s a fun treat, extra screen time, or a simple high-five. Small rewards make the hard work feel worthwhile.

Try this: “You finished your homework without being reminded—how about a movie night this weekend?”

By focusing on encouragement instead of constant reminders, you’ll help your child stay motivated while keeping the peace at home. And who knows? They might even start their homework without you asking (miracles do happen).

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Double Check Your Work

Sounds simple, but so many students forget to double check their work.  Spending 5 or 10 extra minutes here and there will really make a difference. Especially on tests and quizzes, use the time productively if you finish early.  Rather than socializing with your friends, be sure to look over as many answers as possible.  Correcting one or two careless mistakes might be the difference between receiving a B or an A. It's also not just about tests and quizzes.  Do it with your homework as well!  At the end of the evening, be sure to do a quick final check.  Did you finish all the work for every class, and did you remember to put every assignment neatly into your backpack?  Don't give away these easy points by forgetting to finish something -- or worse yet, finishing it but leaving it at home!
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Calm Back-to-School Anxiety After a Break

I used to get anxious the night before going back to school after winter or spring break. I’d lie in bed, wide awake, thinking about my early alarm clock, what to expect academically and socially upon my return to school, and the general chaos of getting back into a routine. And of course, the more I stressed about not sleeping, the harder it was to actually fall asleep. Eventually, though, I figured out a few ways to handle that pre-school anxiety and make the transition back a lot easier. 1. Get Back Into Routine Early One of the biggest reasons going back to school feels stressful is because breaks completely throw off your schedule. If you’ve been staying up late and sleeping in, suddenly trying to fall asleep early the night before school starts is basically setting yourself up for failure. Instead, try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before break ends—go to bed earlier, wake up earlier, and get used to a normal routine again. 2. Prepare the Night Before A lot of my a...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Encourage Good Study Habits at Home: A Guide for Parents

My post today is especially for parents! Helping your child develop strong study habits at home can set them up for long-term success in school. While teachers provide instruction in the classroom, a productive study routine at home is just as important. Here are some good ways to create a home environment that supports focused, effective learning. 1. Set Up a Dedicated Study Space A consistent, quiet place for studying can help minimize distractions. Ideally, this space should: Be free from TV and loud noise. Have good lighting and a comfortable chair. Include necessary supplies like paper, pens, and a calculator. Encourage your child to use this space regularly so they associate it with focused learning. 2. Establish a Study Routine Consistency is key. Set a daily study time based on when your child is most alert—right after school, after dinner, or another time that works best for them. A structured routine makes studying feel like a normal part of the day rather than a la...
Post a Comment
Read more