The kids are back at school and we are all slowly finding our way back into a routine. After a whole summer away from the routine it can be hard to get back into it, especially as the colder weather comes in and we quickly become swamped in school runs, homework tasks and endless after school clubs!
Whilst our kids might have been excited to get back to school to see their friends, the enthusiasm soon seems to dissipate. It can be hard to keep them motivated and excited about going to school and trying their best. But a few simple tricks can help make these days a little easier for everyone.
Here are four ways you can help your kids stay enthusiastic about school and reward their hard work –
Specific Praise
Praise is a great way to encourage and reward our children for their efforts, hard work and to keep them motivated. But when you praise your children try to be specific, avoid phrases like “good boy or good girl” and tailor any praise to the task/ action you are praising them for. It will help kids understand exactly what they are being praised for and they will know that you took notice of their hard work and effort.
Get creative with rewards
Sweets might seem like a nice treat for the two minutes they last but they are soon forgotten and it’s not ideal for our children to expect a sugary treat as a reward. Instead, try to think outside of the box when it comes to rewards, they can be as small or big, expensive or inexpensive as you want too there are so many ideas out there.
Things like magazines, books and small toys are usually a hit and last much longer than sweets or chocolate. If you are looking for something a bit more personal, how about these custom personalised pin badges? They can be made in any shape or colour and can be customised to feature your message, logo or artwork. Your kids could collect these on a special blanket or even their school bag so they are regularly reminded of their accomplishments.
If your child is asking for something a little more expensive you could always use a reward system where they earn so many stickers each time they do well and when they get to a certain amount they can earn the toy they are asking for? It helps keep kids motivated for a little longer this way too.
Don’t use comparisons
Kids will often find themselves comparing themselves against their peers and can find it hard to understand when their friends can do something they can’t. This can be really hard for kids and of course can knock their confidence and motivation.
It’s really important we remind kids that its great to acknowledge their friends and peers accomplishments, but not to compare themselves to them. Instead we should encourage our children to celebrate everyone’s achievements including their own, celebrating all their achievements, big or small!
Time over treats
Whilst treats are nice and of course wouldn’t be turned away, giving our kids our time over material treats can be even more powerful. Time doesn’t cost a penny but kids will remember the time you kicked a ball around with them or took them to the park for a picnic tea instead.
Spending that time together will also give you the chance to talk about their achievements, give them one on one praise and talk about anything they want to. Giving your child the chance to have some one to one time with a parent can really help their confidence too as well as giving them that time to discuss anything that might be worrying them too.
Do you have any top tips for keeping kids motivated in school or rewards that have worked well with your kids?
