How To Encourage Your Child To Work Harder At School

Children can sometimes lose their way in having the right work ethic and this can be frustrating for parents. 

Children can sometimes lose their way in having the right work ethic and this can be frustrating for parents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to encourage your child to work harder at school and while it may not be easy at first, you’ll soon find your little one will become more focused in class.
Firstly, it is perfectly understandable that you, as a parent, are worried about your child’s work ethic in school. Education is vitally important, and it does pave the way for your little one's future. However, it is good to acknowledge that not all kids learn the same way and each child has their own individual talents.
The key is finding out how to motivate your child and excite them with their motivation to drive their work ethic. Instead of pressuring your kiddie, it is always better to motivate them by offering a video game session or a pair of jeans after a few weeks of good test results.
No one is suggesting that this is the right thing to do but if your child is struggling to find motivation a bit of a good thing at the end of their hard work will do no harm.
The hope is that, in time, they will become accustomed to doing well and will want to do well for themselves. It is important they find how to self-motivate but equally, you need to get them riled up first.
Get a good routine going at home with a daily schedule of homework and study and encourage them to do their work well. If your child is moaning before you start because they want their dinner, consider changing your normal pattern and let them eat before they work. It may help with their moaning of starvation!
Be respectful to your child and understand that learning is tough, and it isn’t for every child. Some kids find learning easier than others and the truth is your child would love to enjoy it. Don’t berate them for bad results or threaten them with punishment as this won’t help them respect you.
Instead, offer guidance and help. Sit with them while they work or check in on them. Offer a drink or a snack to help them along and ask them about their work so they feel it is a problem shared.
Have rules about what your child can or can’t do until they have done their homework and study. Once your child is used to the rules, they probably won’t hassle you much to change them, but you must be tough. Find the right spot for your child to do their work; younger kids can be a distraction to older siblings as they work so consider getting them their own desk in their room.
Recognise your child’s struggles and pay attention to sign of anxiety or stress as some kids find school work overwhelming at times.
Be supportive and check in with their teachers regularly to see how your child is doing. Finally, be proud of your kid and tell them they can be whatever they want to be in life. They must do their best first though and chase their dreams later.
Emma Hayes is a thirty-something mum of two girls aged 16 and 10, planting her right into the teenage and tween-age years! Follow her on Twitter at @EmmaHayes25.

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes is a busy mum to two girls aged 17 and 11 and is married to her childhood sweetheart.

Read more by Emma
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