Submitted by Dr. M. Elias (not verified) on March 19, 2008 - 09:45.
All children are motivated. It's just that they are not always motivated to do what adults want them to do. So, the first thing is to see what your child IS motivated to do. What does he enjoy? What are his strengths? Make a note of these things and go to your school psychologist or professional school counselor and ask if there can be a part of the school day, at least weekly if not every day, when your child's strengths can be employed for some good purpose. Your school psychologist or counselor is in a good position to work with teachers to get them to integrate your child's strengths into an ongoing activity. Once this gets going, it may provide incentive for your child to do things he may not be so motivated to do, but will be willing to do for an opportunity to continue to exercise his strengths. For example, some kids love to teach younger kids and will give up lunch periods or recess to be able to tutor younger students. Some kids like to help with music or art classes. Where there is a will, there is a way! You might find it helpful to look at some of the writing of Robert Brooks on resilience, Larry Brendtro on reclaiming unmotivated youth, or my own book on Emotionally Intelligent Parenting. The key is to try to engage his strengths and use that as a bridge to engage him things he may not prefer, or areas in which he is afraid to try because he is afraid to fail.
Intervention for failing student
Submitted by Dr. M. Elias (not verified) on March 19, 2008 - 09:45.
All children are motivated. It's just that they are not always motivated to do what adults want them to do. So, the first thing is to see what your child IS motivated to do. What does he enjoy? What are his strengths? Make a note of these things and go to your school psychologist or professional school counselor and ask if there can be a part of the school day, at least weekly if not every day, when your child's strengths can be employed for some good purpose. Your school psychologist or counselor is in a good position to work with teachers to get them to integrate your child's strengths into an ongoing activity. Once this gets going, it may provide incentive for your child to do things he may not be so motivated to do, but will be willing to do for an opportunity to continue to exercise his strengths. For example, some kids love to teach younger kids and will give up lunch periods or recess to be able to tutor younger students. Some kids like to help with music or art classes. Where there is a will, there is a way! You might find it helpful to look at some of the writing of Robert Brooks on resilience, Larry Brendtro on reclaiming unmotivated youth, or my own book on Emotionally Intelligent Parenting. The key is to try to engage his strengths and use that as a bridge to engage him things he may not prefer, or areas in which he is afraid to try because he is afraid to fail.