Self-motivated kids? It is possible! I know. You’ve heard this before, “Why do I have to do this?”  Your kids have said it.  My kids have said it.  And if we’re honest, we have said it, too.  “Why do I have to do this?”

Before you say to your kids…”Because you have to.  Doing your school work is your job right now.  It’s your responsibility.”  Really… does saying that motivate them to hop up, walk away from their device, and get down to work?  No way!  Who are we kidding?

Watch or listen as I share six tips and scripts for how you can spur on self-motivation in your kids because it is possible for them to do more than just the bare minimum!  

Self-motivated kids? It is possible! You can spur on self-motivation in your kids by going back to what they are interested in.  Relate it to that. (minute 4:34)

Make it the culture in your home to go the extra mile. (minute 5:37)

What you want to do, Mama is paint a picture of what can be while relating it to real life.  All they can see is the here and now but you can see the big picture. (minute 8:07)

And at the end of the day, we care more about them being willing to go the extra mile and pushing through the hard stuff because they’ll need that for life.  They’ll come back around and review their math and grammar next year.

Remember that as your child is motivated and does it, award them with a Speak Life Badge that says:  I stayed faithful to the task.  I work with excellence. I am willing to learn.  I am diligent.  I am persistent, I am committed, I use my energy to do amazing work. (minute 8:33)

You can still award them with a Speak Life Badge even before you see that self-motivation come to be.  You can say, “I believe in you to…whatever it is they need to do…without being asked.  May I give you this sticker badge because I know that you will take initiative?

What about your younger child? What if they say, “Why do I have to do this?” You say, “O no.  You don’t have to do it.  You GET to do it.”  Say it with a big smile and an arm pump.  “You get to do this.” Every child will resist this…I promise you.  It’s OK to be the annoying, “Come on mom” in this moment.  Be consistent.  They just need a mind shift. (minute 10:07)

Teach your children about the power of body language. The smiling, pumping the arm or a clap, and saying the words, “I get to do this” is all body language that influences us and helps our brain.  (minute 10:51)

Demonstrate self-motivation. Our kids are watching so show off your self-motivation, Mama.  They’ll follow. (minute 13:27)

Now it’s your turn. How will you turn this insight into action? What is one suggestion or script you heard for motivating your child when they don’t want to do it that you will try out today?  Share in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Be sure to add the Renewed Mama Podcast to your favorites for a deeper, practical, we’re in this together, connection.  Become an email friend so that you won’t miss an upcoming episode.

If you have any questions about thinking right, speaking right, and responding right in your personal life and in your parenting, ask away by sending me a voice message using the recording app found on the main page of speaklifebadges.com.  Or ask your question in the comments below.