Some kids are self-motivated and goal-driven. This means that they will do their best to achieve what they want, no matter what. However, there are also kids who are less motivated and need a little push to be able to make them inspired in reaching their dreams. What some parents do to motivate their child is by giving them rewards for every step they take and applying consequences for the wrong things they do. Though this may work, there are still other approaches or techniques you can try to cultivate your child’s inner motivation.
If you are thinking of how you can inspire your kids to do well, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are giving you ways to inspire and challenge your children. All of these ways will help your children to tune into the feelings of accomplishment and the pride they feel for a job well done.
Let Your Children Set Goals for Themselves
Have them set goals by making two lists. One is for their short-term goals, and the other is for their long-term goals. You can help them by making sure that their goals are reachable but require effort to achieve. Also, make sure that you are helping them in choosing the right goals.
Create a Plan
To be able to reach their goals, your children also need to create a plan. Help them in making a strategy for reaching their goals. You can make a step-by-step plan that will help them in achieving the goals they’ve set.
Give Rewards to Celebrate Their Accomplishments
Whenever your child accomplishes a goal, one way to let them know that they did great and that you’re proud is by giving them rewards. You can reward them for their hard work by giving them treats and other things they want. But keep in mind that a sense of accomplishment is still the best reward.
Practice What You Preach
Children can be more inspired when they are working with their parents, compared to just taking directions from them. It’s because when they see that you’re truly invested in their success, they will see you as their ally. And it’s also a great way for parents to learn something new, as well. Therefore, the next time your child needs your help with a project, jump in, and try to figure it out together instead of telling them how to do it.
Make Things More Competitive for Your Child
One way to inspire and challenge children is by encouraging healthy competition. For example, if your child is participating in a sports fest, cheer on him to beat another runner. Create competitions about positivity and strength, and never about negativity and weakness towards their competitor.
Expand Your Children’s Comfort Zone
If you want to inspire and challenge your children, one way is by letting them learn about different cultures and ways of life. Try to open your children’s eyes to alternate ways of doing things. You can do this by taking them to places they are unfamiliar with to observe a different culture. You can also let them try different cuisines and do some research together on a particular culture. This way, your children will see their own world from a different point of view.
Remember that One Size Does Not Fit All
You should not insist that your children create or study in a particular way if there are other options that may work for them better. Try to use different learning styles and help them understand the way their brains process information most effectively. This way, you’ll be able to acknowledge and validate the uniqueness of your child, and at the same time, empower him to figure out the things that work best for him.
Excite Your Children
The goals and ambitions of your children should excite them. You can do this by showing them that you are excited for them, as well. The positive energy you will give, as well as the adrenaline, can help in pushing them to continue doing their best and be happy with the efforts they are making in achieving the goals they have set for themselves.
Help Your Children to Find Friends
Yes, parental involvement is supreme, but it is also important for kids to have opportunities to learn with other kids their age. Therefore, another way to inspire and challenge your children is by helping them find friends. See if you can find projects and outlets where they can learn together with other kids. Also, peer-to-peer learning is very motivational, and it’s an exciting way to learn. It can reinforce knowledge like no test or study ever could.
You can let your children join extracurricular activities and camps where they can experience working together in teams when creating something. You can also have your children and their friends do some brainstorming on creating projects they can do at home.
Expect More from Your Children
For parents, it is tempting to over-assist your children to help them succeed. However, doing this can backfire and send them the message that they can’t do it on their own. Therefore, it’s best to give your children responsibilities and expect more from them. You will see the amazing things they can do if you push them to take a leadership role. Give them the change to formulate their own ideas and execute them. All you need to do is provide them the tools they need and see what they can do.
Recognize Your Children’s Efforts More Than Outcomes
Most parents tend to pile on the praise for a job well done. But if you want to inspire and challenge your children better, then it’s more important to encourage them throughout the process, to recognize and engage in their intrinsic ability and creativity. It’s because when children realize that they have the ability, potential, and know-how to figure things out, their motivation can become a much deeper tool to draw from, compared to relying on external sources to motivate them.
Help Your Children See the Big Picture
One of the best ways to inspire and challenge your children is by letting them imagine the kind of person they want to be in the future. For example, if you have older children or adolescents, you can ask them to imagine what they will be in five years. You can even ask them to write a letter to their future self. Ask them questions, such as what they want to be known for, what they want their friends to like them for, and what kinds of activities do they want to be involved in the future.
It is a great way to start talking about how they can reach their goals and what steps they can be taking today to be able to get there.
These are some of the best ways we can recommend for you to inspire and challenge your children. All of these can help in motivating your kids to do their best to be able to achieve their goals and reach their dreams. Plus, it is more inspiring for them, knowing that their parents are behind their backs as they attain their goals in life.