Motivating an Unmotivated Child: Dalena's Advice
a cognitive development specialist, addresses a parent's concern about her unmotivated 12-year-old. She explores the common causes behind a lack of motivation in schoolwork and outlines the crucial first step parents should take to help their child.
A Question for Dalena
“What causes lack of motivation in schoolwork and how can I motivate my unmotivated 12-year-old?” – Abigail Went
Dalena’s Answer
Hi Abigail,
Dealing with an unmotivated child can be incredibly frustrating for parents. Before we look at solutions, it is helpful to know if this behaviour began recently or if it has been happening for a while.
Based on my experience, a lack of motivation in school often has clear causes. Common reasons include a personality clash with a teacher or tutor, the curriculum being presented in a way that doesn’t engage them, or a feeling of being overwhelmed because they are struggling to keep up or grasp the work. The most important first step is to pinpoint exactly why your child is unmotivated.
Extra Information: Practical Next Steps
Once you start the conversation, you can explore effective child motivation strategies. A helpful approach is to distinguish between internal and external struggles.
- External Factors: These can include the learning environment or social dynamics. For homeschoolers, this might mean the curriculum isn’t the right fit. The Western Cape Education Department provides a variety of curriculum resources that may offer a different approach.
- Internal Factors: Sometimes, the issue lies with underlying cognitive skills. If a child struggles to process information, they may disengage to avoid failure. If you suspect this, it could be beneficial to seek a professional assessment to understand the root cause. Reputable organisations like the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) can help you find qualified professionals.
The goal is to understand the specific reasons for the lack of motivation in school. Only then can you find the right way to help your child move forward.
Conclusion
Knowing how to motivate my child begins with listening to them and observing their situation closely. By identifying the root cause, you can implement targeted strategies that address the actual problem instead of just the symptoms.
What has worked for you when facing issues with homeschooling motivation? Share your tips in the comments below and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more expert advice.