motivating kids — Articles Blog — Caroline Maguire

motivating kids

How to Motivate Kids Academically with WIFM (What’s in it for Them)

How to Motivate Kids Academically with WIFM (What’s in it for Them)

If you have a unique child who is unmotivated academically, consider using the WIFM strategy. Try to figure out what motivates your child. Your child’s motivator doesn’t have to be something that you think is an “acceptable” motivator. What comes up in my sessions all the time is that kids are motivated; they just aren’t motivated by what their parents want them to motivated by.

A Castle with Walls Too Thick to Penetrate

A Castle with Walls Too Thick to Penetrate

Avoidance is a sign. Not a sign that the child does not care. Or a sign that he lacks motivation, is resistant, or is just uninterested in having friends, but a sign that he does not know how to break down the barriers so he can participate, or “join in”. Without a roadmap or help with his social plan, children and teenagers often shut down.  

Birthday Parties, the Cafeteria, and Other Social Obstacles

Birthday Parties, the Cafeteria, and Other Social Obstacles

You don’t need to helicopter to help your middle-schooler make friends in fact, too much interference can do more harm than good. Follow these strategies to boost your tween’s confidence.