Whether you want to motivate kids to practice school lessons, clean their rooms, or do their chores, these 7 tips will make the process a whole lot easier! Kids often push back when they have a “to-do” list at home. Who doesn’t want to play with toys all day? But helping kids to find a routine at home is important. Children learn to keep a schedule. They build their self-esteem and confidence by practicing. They feel good receiving rewards and praise for chores well done. And they learn self-discipline. All of these life skills will help them as they grow older. Try some of these ways to motivate and encourage kids!
7 Ways to Motivate Kids at Home
Turn Chores into a Game
Make chores fun and rewarding for kids! Try turning the “chore list” into a fun activity by playing music and having a dance party while you work. Have family members “compete” against each other to see who finishes first—and offer a small reward such as: first one done gets to pick the movie tonight. Chores fly by when they turn into a game!
Reward with Fun Surprises
Praise kids for a job well done! Surprise presents are fun ways to reward a child for concentrating on homework or cleaning up their toys. Giving gifts all the time isn’t recommended, as kids may expect one every time they finish a task. But surprise gifts can brighten their day and motivate them further. Personalized children’s gifts are especially engaging and meaningful. Custom puzzles for kids are both educational and entertaining, helping them to improve hand-eye coordination and see their name spelled out in puzzle pieces! Personalized children’s books can also help children learn to spell their names and practice their ABC’s.
Develop a Flexible Schedule for the Child
School is rigid and based on exact time frames for activities. But home is different. At home, kids are in a place where they expect more flexibility. Try to adapt to the child’s desired schedule. For example, some kids need to “decompress” from school and play first. In this case, try practicing schoolwork in the evening. Other kids focus better when they’ve had a snack; or they might concentrate better while listening to music. Create a schedule and environment that plays to their strengths.
Give Kids Choices
Provide options for schoolwork or chores. For example, try saying to the child, “You can play one of the educational games over there, read a book over there, or pick up your toys. Then you can watch some TV.” This makes kids feel they have some control over their actions. They will feel more empowered. Kids learn how to pick and choose.
Discover a Child’s Passion
Talk to your child about their interests. See what schoolwork they love the most. During home time, try working in activities based on their favorite subjects. If they love to read, hold a storytime after school. If they love to draw, practice drawing shapes or mirroring objects. If they love science, conduct a science experiment at home. Show a child that learning can be fun and rewarding! When you emphasize their favorite interests, it makes the rest of their schoolwork more bearable.
Pump Them Up
Get kids excited for their work! Try jumping up and down and shouting out positive affirmations like, “I am smart. I work hard. I can learn.” Kids get the “wiggles” out before starting chores or schoolwork. They’ll also feel more confident starting on tasks. Encourage kids with positive language. They will internalize that language and start telling themselves they can do it.
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition
When you repeat something to yourself, over and over, you remember it. The same goes for schoolwork or chores. Keep practicing every day and assign similar chores each week. Kids will start to remember what they should do. Certain chores or schoolwork will be automatic and familiar. They won’t feel blindsided by math practice or helping clean. When you repeat activities and stick with it, kids will get used to the routine.
These motivational activities for kids will hopefully make schoolwork and chores easier and more fun! Above all, make sure to balance practice with playtime. Reward kids with screen-free reading time or TV watching. Make your time at home together enjoyable!
