Motivating your Child to Care about School
Wouldn't we all love to hear an enthusiastic "Great!" when you child is asked how school is going? Instead you might get an apathetic "It's ok" response. Or you may even get "it sucks!" How do you motivate you child to care about school?
The fact is your child may never love school. For some, academics come naturally, while others struggle throughout. You can't force the love of school, but you can encourage your child to care about his education.
I always knew growing up that I had to go to college. It wasn't an option in my family – I had to at least show up for the first day of college. My parents said that they had an obligation to ensure I had a good education and I had an obligation to get good grades.
When we'd see adult fast food workers or someone busting their hiney behind a deli counter, my parents would remind me the importance of career options. I learned that while there was nothing wrong with working in a cashier position, some people didn't have other options because they didn't have a college education.
I knew early on that I didn't want to spend my adult life flipping burgers. For me, that was motivation to care about school. For others, that motivation may not work. Some people are motivated by money.
Show your child different salaries of various careers. If she has aspirations of a six figure salary, she'll need to start laying the ground work now. Some children may not respond to any future aspirations. They are only concerned about the present.
You may not be able to get your child to love school, but perhaps you can help him not hate school. You know your child better than anyone. You know his likes and dislikes (if you don't, I strongly suggest you stop reading this article immediately and go hang out with your child!).
What is your child interested in? Good grades? Being able to participate in extra-curricular activities? Money? Future earnings? Find what makes your child tick and you'll have a head start in helping your child care about school!
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- Energy Boosting Breakfast Ideas for Students
- Money Saving School Lunch Ideas
- Working Moms can Help Out at School too
- Get To Know Your Kid's Teachers
- Easy Afternoon Snacks Kids Love
- The Homework Routine That Works
- Teach Your Student Gadget Etiquette
- Dads are Cool when they help out at School
- Friendships at School: A Primer for Parents
- Bully Proof Your Student
- School Fashion Tips
- Make This Year Better Than Last Year
- When You Don't Like Your Child's Teacher
- Extracurricular Scheduling - Are Your Kids Too Busy?
- Evening Chaos: Menu Planning can Help
- Your Child is Never too Young for Chores
- Charts for Bedtime and Morning Routines
- Choosing the Right Afterschool Activities for your Child
- Moms, It’s ok to Say “No”
- Bedtime Routine to Give your Kids a Chance to Tell you About their School Day
- How Much Sleep does your Child Really Need
- Helping your Teen to Make Good Choices at School
- Motivating your Child to Care about School
- Food Allergies: What to Do when Your Child is the One Who Could Get Sick?
