Lack of Self-Motivation in Children

If your child doesn̵7;t seem motivated, there may be issues underneath the surface that need tending. What seems to be a lack of self-motivation affecting your child probably has a specific reason. Once you get to the root of the problem, you can help resolve it to encourage your child in her endeavors.

  1. Natural Motivation

    • Young children have a natural curiosity that energizes exploration, states assistant professor Martha Carlton, with the Early Childhood Education at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, on the National Association of School Psychologists website. Sometimes with growth and development through childhood, motivation decreases and children struggle.

    Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Motivation

    • Motivation involves a force or drive, advises educational psychologist Barry Sommer. This force can have internal or external sources. Internal motivation -- also called intrinsic motivation -- comes from the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from trying to meet goals, according to authors of ̶0;Extrinsic Rewards and Motivation,̶1; published on the Association for Applied Sport Psychology website. External motivation comes from external sources, such as the desire to make a parent proud or the desire to earn an award.

    Reasons for Depleted Motivation

    • Children suffer a lack of motivation for different reasons. A child may become unmotivated if work is too difficult and the youngster feels frustrated. A child could also suffer loss of motivation if he feels bored and unchallenged. If a child has too many distractions, he may not feel motivated to concentrate on goals. A youngster with low self-esteem may procrastinate and lack motivation due to a fear of failure. In addition, children with unsupportive and uninvolved parents also show signs of lack of motivation due to the lack of parental encouragement.

    Encouragement

    • With careful encouragement, you can help your child rediscover motivation. Provide a variety of learning opportunities for your youngster to help her find areas that spark her curiosity, suggest Kathy Seal and Deborah Stipek, authors of ̶0;Raising Self-Motivated Children.̶1; When you see your child trying or displaying skills, offer specific praise that encourages her and shows that you recognize and appreciate her efforts. If your child feels discouraged or overwhelmed, discuss your child̵7;s strengths that make it possible for her to tackle this task. Lessen your emphasis on scores and grades with your child, instead focusing on how much your child learns or how much she enjoys working at a goal. Eliminating pressure often helps children find self-motivation again.

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