Children like to learn, but many of them lose their motivation to learn at an early age. The main reason for this is the pressure to perform. 

Why The Motivation To Learn Decreases

Most of the students start their first grade highly motivated. You are inquisitive and willing to learn. But this motivation to learn fades again and again after a few years. That is fatal.

While the offspring still soaks up everything new in their toddler age, proudly shares their new knowledge, and can hardly wait for the first day of school, according to psychological studies, this enthusiasm subsides usually when switching to secondary school.

Parents feel they have an obligation to motivate their children to learn, but are often at a loss or simply do not have the time.

How Can Parents Help Motivate Their Children To Learn?

Parents can only motivate if they are motivated themselves. First and foremost, they are the most important caregivers for their children. If they take on the tasks of tutors, conflicts can quickly arise. Nevertheless, they can do a lot to motivate learning.

Tip 1: create a good learning environment

When people feel good, they are more motivated to learn new things and do things. It’s not just for children. Get the day off to a good start by setting aside time together for a delicious and healthy breakfast. That makes you fit. Eating healthy at school, getting enough sleep and exercise, a tidy workplace, and a quiet study environment helps you stay focused.

Tip 2: find the right incentives

Formulate goals that your child finds so great that they can motivate themselves to learn, e.g. “Anyone who is good at biology has the chance to become a veterinarian.” And a future language holiday may convince your child that learning vocabulary is not so boring after all. 

Tip 3: Try not to make the school the main family theme

Above all, the home should be a safe haven in which the kids can relax and recover from the school day. If your child feels stressed, what they need is a pleasant experience. Are you worried or do you want to find out more about your child’s everyday school life? Showing interest is always good. It’s best to ask at a good moment. If direct questions do not elicit much from your offspring, you can also try to steer the conversation towards the nice things of everyday school life, such as sport, taking breaks, a particularly beloved subject, or friends. When children talk about positive experiences, sometimes the not so great gushes out too.  

Tip 4: Breath deeply once, twice. At least! 

It is very important to have enough breaks between learning units, preferably before your head starts to hum. A little exercise and a sip of water will help. So the learning material can settle better. If there is still enough time for friends and hobbies, the school-life balance is right – and the motivation to learn increases. 

Tip 5: Promote self-determination 

Does your child have a favorite place to study or are they more concentrated in the evenings than after school? Fine! Leave it to your child to decide how to achieve their own learning goals. This also motivates and strengthens self-confidence.