Are your kids self-motivated? Self-motivation, according to the authors of 365 Ways To Help Your Children Grow, is “the reason a person goes on, even when they want to quit. It is the belief that something can be done, even when the odds are against it.”
To help your kids get self-motivated, the authors offer several great ideas for you to try out. Here are a few of them:
(1) Goal cards
Each family member receives one 5 x 8 index card. On one side write one goal and on the other side write the steps you would need to take in order to reach this goal. At the end of a specified time, daily or weekly for example, write underneath your goal the things you did towards reaching the goal. Date each entry so that you can see how you are progressing.
(2) Start A Business
There are many businesses kids can operate including pet walking/sitting, babysitting, tutoring and yard work. Help your child decide on a business and then design a flyer for them to pass out. You also want to talk about the responsibilities of running a business. Running a business involves being in charge and learning how to be responsible. Making money for your efforts is also a great self-motivator.
(3) I Think I Can I Think I Can
We all know the story of the Little Red Engine That Could, right? If your kids don’t, check out a copy from the library and read it to them. Then when you hear someone saying that they can’t do something remind them of the story or simply say, “I think I can”. This can also be done whenever your kids are about to compete or do anything challenging including taking a test, just look and them and repeat, “I think I can.”
See also:
Building Self-esteem in Your Children