Anybody who has children will fully understand when I say that it can be very difficult sometimes to motivate your children to do the things which you want them to do. What with the ever increasing variety of distractions such as gaming, social networking, cell phones and a whole host of other distractions, it can really be difficult to motivate them to do what is required of them around the home.
We need to understand that children are individuals and a motivational technique which works for one might not have the same effect when it comes to another child. This is normal as they too are individuals and each individual has different things which will motivate them.
We need to understand that children are individuals and a motivational technique which works for one might not have the same effect when it comes to another child. This is normal as they too are individuals and each individual has different things which will motivate them.
Far too often we as parents are so busy trying to be a friend to our children that we actually loose sight of what it is that our function as parent is. We need to remember that the influence we have on the lives of our children now, will determine what type of person they will develop into as an adult. We need to remember that our main functions are to be a healthy teacher, motivator and leader for our children.
Here are a couple of techniques which might help you when it comes to keeping your children motivated:
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Lead by example – First and foremost we need to be sure that we are able to set a good example for our children, remember they are looking to you so as to see what acceptable behavior is. If you are not setting the correct example through your actions, then chances are they will follow your lead and have these same bad habits. You can’t expect your child to be motivated around the home if all they see you doing is sitting around doing nothing.
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Praise your children for motivated behavior – One thing which children thrive on is recognition and praise. Be sure to take note when your child is doing what you want them to do and shower them in praise. This way you will be reinforcing good behavior and the child will be more willing to participate in these actions which have brought them recognition and praise the next time round.
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Teach them the consequence of their actions – A big part of being a Wealth Creator is to be able to take responsibility for your own actions. So if you are able to teach your child that negative actions bring with them actions and these consequences are as a result of their own decisions and actions, then you will be instilling a Wealth Creators mentality in them from a young age. If the child is not doing what they were meant to do, take something away from them for a short while so that they are able to realize that this negative behavior on their part has brought about this negative consequence.
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Reward motivated and good behavior – Many people do not realize that by offering a child a reward for good behavior or doing what has been asked of them can in effect be a very strong motivator. This reward need not come in the form of money or presents, but could rather be something as simple as playing their favorite game with them, reading to them or simply watching a movie together.
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The love factor – Last but not least is the love factor, all children thrive on your love and are constantly trying to find new ways to receive love from you. Showing your children strong love and devotion will go a far way as to strengthening the bonds between you which will in turn motivate them to be willing to do more of what you want them to do out of respect and love for you.
Very often as parents we will make the mistake of wanting to simply throw in the towel and do what it is we have asked our children to do as this avoids family conflict and tension. This however is one of the biggest mistakes which any parent can make as how will the child ever learn the number one principle of being a Wealth Creator, which is to take responsibility for your actions, so as to have a happy, harmonious and abundant life of their own one day if we are simply willing to do everything for them.
Be sure to instill the principles and ethics which are needed to lead a harmonious and abundant life into your children from a young age so as to help them to become adults with drive and passion and who have the knowledge and self motivation required to allow them to become the best they can be and to truly be able to lead a life of Kaizen Wealth.