Lack of motivation in children is one of the most frustrating issues parents face. Whether it's poor grades, procrastination, not working, or not caring about the future, our experts can help you understand and manage this difficult situation.
Why is it so hard to motivate kids? As parents, we often have a funny, inaccurate belief that our children won’t care unless we twist their arms. But the simple truth is that your attempts to motivate your child are probably working against you. You can’t make your child care just because you do—in fact, you... Read more »
Does your teen seem completely unmotivated? For parents of teens, the refrains of, "Whatever," and "I don't care," can become all too familiar. In this interview, teenage behavior expert Josh Shipp explains where your child's motivation really lies—and how you can tap into it. Q. What should parents do when their child seems to be unmotivated? I... Read more »
Is your child’s answer to everything, “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter?” Parents often think that if they can find a new way to encourage their child, he or she will magically start achieving more. I don't think it's like that at all. I think the problem is that these kids are motivated to... Read more »
Over the years, many parents have asked me why their kids aren't motivated and what they can do about it. How can you get your child to be more motivated? To do better in school? To even go to school? The important thing to remember is this: your child is motivated. They’re just motivated to... Read more »
Note to readers: You can listen to Kimball Lewis discuss this article in an interview on the Parenting ADHD and Autism Podcast with author and parent coach Penny Williams. If your 10-year-old child has ever shown you how to work your computer or phone, you know that the generation we are raising now is bright and... Read more »
Not now. Later. Tomorrow. That’s when many teenagers say they plan to complete their household chores or tackle their homework. To a certain extent, this is normal—many of us have a tendency to delay, to put off until tomorrow what we don’t want to do today. There is a difference, however, between the occasional delayer and... Read more »
When we do too much for our kids—when we over-function for them—we rob them of the skills and practice necessary to develop competence and mastery in life. Instead of learning life skills, they develop a problem that psychologists refer to as learned helplessness. This is certainly not our intention when we aim to help... Read more »
Recently I met with a 15-year-old boy to talk about his future. He was getting into trouble at school and on the brink of failing all his subjects. When we discussed his career goals, he stated that he wanted to be a mixed martial arts pro or a firefighter. Had he taken any classes related... Read more »
