We have used a number of activities in our work with underachieving elementary and middle school students. One activity has students report what parents could offer them that they would find to be motivating. A number of motivators recurred regularly. Some were the expected self-serving rewards—video games, money, fewer chores and the like. However, one recurring motivator consistently surprised the parents. Many of our students, even the middle school boys, listed more time with their parents as something they prized. If there were a number of siblings, they would often say they would like time with their parents without brothers or sisters around. We sometimes forget, in the business of our lives and with the little conflicts that arise in our families, how terribly important it is to share time with our kids when they are the complete focus of our attention.
Share your story with other parents. Let us know when you found something a little unexpected to be motivating to a child.
Share your story with other parents. Let us know when you found something a little unexpected to be motivating to a child.