4 New Motivational Ideas to Help You Motivate Your Children
By Jason Gracia
Motivation is not only important for adults, but
also for children. What they learn as children will have an
enormous impact on the rest of their lives.
To teach them about motivation and goals at an early age will
give them the necessary tools for a happy and prosperous future.
1. Talk with them
Notice the title is not Talk 'To' Them. When dealing with this
subject, let them do some of the talking. They may surprise you
as they try to come up with concepts and ideas all on their own.
Many children do not understand the importance of goal setting
and having a positive attitude. Simply sitting down with your
children and talking with them about this subject will help them
to understand why they need motivation and goals in their lives.
When speaking with your kids, remember they are only kids. The
ideas you use must be a little less complex and a little more
fun than usual. The next tip will help you to make goals more
fun for you and your children.
2. Make it a game
The great thing about goals is that they are a game. People,
especially children, love to play games. When you find out what
you want, try to make a game out of it.
For example, if you want your children to excel in school, you
could set up a chart on the fridge. Begin by having your child
set goals for the upcoming report card. You may have to help
them at this stage. You can make sure that their goals are
attainable and challenging.
Each time they bring home their grades, you could chart their
progress on the fridge. Because their grade goals are on the
chart, they will be able to see how they are doing compared to
their stated goals. If they are below their goal, it will help
to motivate them to work a little harder. If they meet or exceed
their goal, they will be excited and happy about their
Some parents believe giving money for grades is a good system. I
think this system may be a little more useful for both you and
3. Lead by example
Your kids learn the most from you. If you would like to see
certain traits in your children, then lead by example. If you
would like them to be motivated and excited about things, do the
same. If you would like your children to use goals, you too
should use goals in your daily life.
When they see you doing what you are teaching, your lessons will
sink in. If you say one thing and do another, your children will
have a very hard time believing in the importance of what you
4. Give them feedback
When you have a goal or deadline at work, and you reach it, you
would like feedback from the top, right? Your children are no
different. For example, if you set goals with them about keeping
their rooms clean and then never tell them how they are doing,
the desired outcome won't last for very long.
When they do a good job, make sure you tell them that you
noticed and that you are very proud of their accomplishment. It
will not only make them feel important and successful, it will
also engrain the lessons which you are trying to teach. If they
need to try harder, praise them for their work but let them know
that you expect more of them.
Motivation and goals are just as important for your children as
they are for you. With a few simple tools you can help to raise
your children with a strong foundation in goal setting and hard work.
Copyright © 2001 Jason Gracia,
Motivation123. Visit Jason's Motivation123 Web site to receive a free Motivation Idea-Kit,
free motivation newsletter, plus hundreds of articles, tips and ideas to help you live a happier
life today. Reprinted with permission.