Episode #13: The Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Middle Schooler's Motivation
September 14, 2021, by Ashley
Unlock your middle schooler's motivation
Most of you are back-to-school, and I KNOW there are many adjustments. New routines. New expectations and responsibilities. Not to mention the feeling that between inequities with your school and lost learning in the last few years, you want to know what you can do to boost your middle schooler's motivation.
If your middle schooler is self-motivated, excellent. If not, I've got you. Oftentimes, there's an uptick in motivation at the beginning of the school year, and then it starts to dwindle, so this is for all of you!
As a middle school parent, you understand your role is to be more of a guide. But you don't want to watch them break down all the time, and you want to be able to support them without doing it for them. You want to instill some self-motivation and drive to do what they need to do and pursue what they love with their own drive.
So, here are 5 ways to boost your middle schooler's motivation :
[1:55] #1: Strengthen their autonomy in everyday life.
Give them a sense of independence and control of things around the home, as well as their own learning
[3:39] #2: Give them a sense of competence
Instill your confidence in them. Say, "I believe you can do this."
[4:57] #3: Connect with them along the way.
If you're available and express care along the way without reacting with frustration, they will be more motivated to complete the task at hand.
[5:41] #4: Fill in the knowledge gaps.
Middle schoolers do not like to look or sound like they don't know what they're doing. Admitting they need help is hard.
[7:04] #5: Help them see the big picture.
Maybe there is a subject in school that they HATE and don't see the point in at all. Help them connect this thing they can't stand to something they love. In other words, help them see the bigger picture of importance.
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