How To Detect And Face Lack Of Motivation In Children?
When we talk about children, we automatically think of games, races and fun. The moment these actions disappear, you notice that something is not going right. The question in this case is: what can produce a lack of motivation in children?
The motivation in the human being is responsible for the individual to carry out his planned activities one hundred percent. If she didn’t exist, everything would be stopped, meaningless.
From this point onwards, the lack of motivation in children is a very serious issue because it reduces their performance in all aspects of their lives.
Many parents, when faced with their children’s lack of motivation, seek professional help. The reason for this is that they find themselves at a crossroads for not knowing the causes that may have generated this situation.
In most cases, parents feel worried and terrified that they don’t know how they can help motivate their children. In many cases, too, they lose their temper.
Symptoms of lack of motivation in children
It is essential to know how to detect lack of motivation in children. The most common signs that a child is experiencing this problem are as follows:
- An unmotivated child has no desire to do anything. He doesn’t want to do the chores and doesn’t feel like playing.
- Does not feel inclined towards any hobby
- Shows lack of energy, apathetic.
- Tends to look like a lazy child.
- Does not show receptivity to perform any activity.
- They only carry out the tasks that require them, without showing any kind of initiative.
- Do not take the opportunity to develop any activity.
- Do everything fast, just to get rid of.
All these symptoms are normal, as lack of motivation in children is very common. Things must be analyzed calmly and discouragement cannot be allowed to linger for too long.
the role of parents
It is important that parents are careful to avoid certain behaviors that promote lack of motivation in children. Here are some examples:
- Prevent children from feeling left out.
- Not making it clear to them what the reason or purpose of the activities they carry out is.
- Just impose activities without leaving time and space for them to develop those they really want to do.
- Assign very difficult tasks that are bigger than your capabilities.
- Not valuing what they do, making them not feel that their effort is valued.
All of this influences the child, causing him to become discouraged and lose enthusiasm for doing some activity. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid these errors.
Three causes that cause children to lack motivation
There are some factors that are pointed out as the main culprits for the lack of motivation in children. The first is biological: poor diet and, finally, malnutrition. A hungry child is not able to perform in the same way as a well-fed one.
The second is social; difficulty in integrating, adapting to the group; school bullying or school failure are ways in which it presents itself.
Finally, there is the psychological: low self-esteem, fear of making mistakes and failing. The bullying is another major factor of motivation in children.
In this sense, the most recommendable thing is to assess yourself as parents and analyze the child’s environment to detect what is going wrong and take action on it. It’s always good to consider children’s abilities to determine what activities they can develop. In this way, it will be possible to avoid frustration.
Another important aspect is to make sure that the child gets enough sleep, has a balanced diet and has the affection of both parents. As we can see, most of these measurements should take place indoors.
Lack of motivation in the school environment
If the demotivation originates in the school environment, it is essential to ask the following questions: What is demotivating the child? How can I help you?
In many cases, the teacher is unaware of the student’s abilities. Thus, the student is evaluated in a very basic way, leaving aside the merits and emotional needs that the child may have.
It is the teacher’s duty to notify parents immediately when they notice that the student is not doing school activities. The joint work of the teacher and the family will help to effectively reverse the children’s demotivation.
How to avoid demotivation in children?
Many experts suggest that to avoid demotivation in children, it is necessary to talk to them on a daily basis. This way, it is possible to know if they are enjoying the activities they are doing or not.
If the child feels that he is being supported by his parents and teacher, he will be able to find within himself the necessary strength to carry out his duties in the best way and with joy. It is important to offer rewards when the child fulfills tasks and punish when he does not do them.
However, motivation through prizes should not be frequently resorted to. This is because the child may be conditioned to do the tasks only because of the reward and not because of the conviction that it is their duty. It is necessary to teach children to be autonomous, to have freedom of thought and action. This way, they will have several options for making their own decisions.
Therefore, a home full of harmony, solidarity and support is ideal for children to grow up with enough confidence to accomplish and reach any goal in their life.
