Many parents struggle to get kids to do their homework. The problem stems from lack of drive. Kids who only do their work to avoid getting in trouble or to appease their parents usually try less in their academics. Such children have low intrinsic motivation, meaning they don’t complete homework because they want to, but because they have to. Although the connection between student motivation and student success may seem obvious, research suggests that parents may also impact homework motivation in kids.
Parents have a big influence on children’s motivation, whether they want to or not. Better parental support, both emotionally and intellectually, is associated with greater enthusiasm in kids. By being empathetic, looking at a child’s perspective, and helping a child plan and set goals, parents can support and encourage more effort and achievement in kids. Parental support is important, especially for homework. However, the quality of support a parent gives to a child doing homework relates to the parent’s motivation for helping out. Children pick up on their parent’s opinions of homework. Parents who think that homework itself is valuable encourage this view in their children.
So, what is the best thing you can do to help your kid get more motivated to do homework? Simply having a more positive mindset about homework is a great place to start. Then, once you believe it, preach it! Tell your child that homework is important and useful. Show them that it can be fun and exciting. By providing a more positive attitude for homework, you may be able to increase your kid’s motivation to do it.
Written by Amy Cherry