Think of a book or movie or song that you enjoy repeatedly. Share why you don’t get tired of revisiting it again and again.
New to freewriting? Check out our online guide.
[Podcast] What to Do About Unmotivated Learners
There are days when you feel invincible, ready to conquer the world, and there are other days where getting out of bed feels like a herculean task.
I confess, on those less-than-stellar days, I resort to watching bad sitcom reruns, while Melissa disappears into an endless loop of Instagram Reels.
Sound familiar?
Today on the Brave Writer podcast, let’s dive deep into the realm of motivation, unpack its moral significance, and explore how it meshes with our values and dreams, especially when it comes to our kids.
Show Notes
Understanding Motivation
It’s almost taboo to admit that you’re not always motivated. Why is that? The term “motivation” seems to carry with it a moral weight, making many feel guilt or shame for not being incessantly driven.
As the school year draws near, parents often daydream of that “ever-motivated” student – a vision not always compatible with reality. Motivation isn’t just about having an aspiration; it’s about bridging the chasm between that aspiration and the steps to realize it. It’s worth noting that our motivation is a cocktail of various internal and external influencers.
Motivation in Homeschooling
Motivation is like a fingerprint – unique to each individual. It’s pivotal to recognize this and avoid the trap of imposing moral values upon it. Whether in conventional schooling or homeschooling, our perspective on motivation should be grounded in:
- understanding,
- compassion,
- and a recognition of individual aspirations.
For children, motivation isn’t a broad trait but is tied to specific interests. The meticulous plans crafted by parents might not always resonate with the child. This is a nuanced dance between the child’s individual motivations and the structured environment the parent provides. Environmental conditions, too, play a substantial role in influencing children’s learning curves.
The path of homeschooling often sees parents wrestling with self-doubt, particularly when they confront the tangible, everyday hurdles of teaching.
The Role of External Rewards
Traditional schools frequently employ external motivators like grades. But do they truly ignite motivation? Homeschooling often ditches such systems, but without suitable alternatives, a motivation void can emerge.
Addressing a Lack of Motivation
Children, just like adults, have fluctuating energy levels. It’s vital to understand and respect this ebb and flow. The challenge arises when a parent’s ambitions collide with the child’s disposition.
Trust, patience, and dialogue are imperative. A child’s reluctance towards a subject needs to be approached with empathy and collaboration. A seamless transition to tasks, understanding of individual needs, and making learning relevant are just a few strategies to reignite motivation.
Rethinking Motivation
Before branding a child as “unmotivated”, it’s crucial to rethink our definition. More often, it signifies a child’s aversion to tasks dictated by parents. Our mission? To delve deep and uncover the essence of such resistance. By observing what genuinely interests a child, we can tap into their inherent motivation.
Celebrating their persistence in activities they love is key. For instance, praising their tenacity while mastering a skateboard trick can boost their morale significantly. Moreover, sitting alongside them, sharing their challenges, and jointly finding solutions can be as rewarding as conquering a difficult level in a video game.
Motivation isn’t a monolith but a mosaic of:
- values,
- aspirations,
- and context.
It’s about understanding, empathy, and a shared journey of discovery between parents and children.
As we navigate this intricate world, let’s remember to be adaptable, patient, and always keen to find joy in the learning process. Whether it’s a new skateboard trick or a challenging math problem, there’s always a way to find and fuel that spark of motivation.
Resources
- Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
- We’re starting our Story Switcheroo class right at the end of August! Take class fairytales and flip them on their heads with your whole family. Learn more at https://bravewriter.com/online-classes/story-switcheroo.
- Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
- Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
- Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Go to bravewriter.com/getting-started
- Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
- Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Produced by NOVA Media
Relaxed Alertness
It’s easy to associate learning with struggle and pain. Yet studies show that when you’re relaxed and happy, you’re more receptive to learning.
I challenge you today.
Gather data on who your kids are and how they learn.
Notice when your child appears “alert and relaxed.”
Take the day off of any “formal” lessons. Just sit around with your cold cup of coffee (let’s be real, is it ever hot by the time you drink it?) and pay attention.
When does your child drop into an activity and become absorbed?
If you are beset by a gaggle of wanderers in your house, help them out.
Give them art supplies, a sewing machine, colored pens, all sorts of paper, binoculars, the beeswax candle kit you keep “saving” for a better day, modeling clay, a unicycle, window markers, all the LEGO kits, the collection of dolls and their outfits, access to the baking mixes, the glue gun, shovels and pails, a calculator, a deck of cards, board games…
- See what they do.
- See how long they do it.
- Notice when they need help and when they reject it.
- When you see a smile, pause, and note to yourself what just happened.
- When you see frustration or a wandering mind, check in. Make another offer, join the activity, bring a snack.
Dedicate today to learning about how your children learn…for themselves.
Renate and Geofrrey Cain say that the best state of learning is “relaxed alertness.”
I invite you today to relax and be alert.
Notice when relaxed alertness kicks in for your kids. How did that happen?
Maybe jot it down for next week.
Most of our products have weekly planners and skills trackers that help you
do this kind of noticing and record keeping to help you be an effective parent educator.
Check out our bundles.
Friday Freewrite: Light and Sound
Do you know the tale where the Sun and Wind compete to see which of them can make someone remove their coat? What if Light and Sound compete to see which can wake YOU up in the middle of the night? Write that story!
New to freewriting? Check out our online guide.
[Podcast] Josh MacNeill: Practices to Boost Learning
Parenting can be one of life’s most fulfilling yet challenging journeys.
Josh MacNeill, former teacher and now the CEO of InMind Services, has dedicated his life to understanding child behavior. With certifications in child trauma and multicultural education, he brings unique insights into the art of mindful parenting.
This guide, inspired by Josh’s insights, aims to provide you with essential tools and understanding to nurture and connect with your child.
Show Notes
Addressing Child Reluctance and Resistance
Children’s resistance and reluctance can often be signs of deeper emotional needs. By building understanding and patience, and encouraging dialogue and collaboration, you can connect with your child on a deeper level and support their unique development.
The brain plays a vital role in emotions, with the cortex and limbic system being key players. Understanding this connection helps in emotional regulation, guiding your child through stress without escalating the situation.
Managing Stress in Children and Adults
Understanding how you and your child handle energy and stress throughout the day can help create strategies to manage and mitigate these challenges. It leads to more balanced, peaceful relationships.
Focusing on intentional positivity can transform your parent-child relationship. Regular positive interactions foster a loving environment and can have a lasting impact on emotional wellbeing.
Acknowledging and appreciating your child’s efforts fosters a healthy relationship. Clear expectations, set without overshadowing achievements, create a nurturing space for growth.
By building tolerance for stress through praise and recognition, and proactively nurturing motivation, you can help your child thrive emotionally and academically.
Strategies for Dealing with Parental Reactions and Stress
Parenting is stressful. Finding methods for relaxation, reconnection, and understanding misbehavior as signs of stress can create a harmonious family life.
From understanding developmental stages to addressing trauma, a multifaceted approach to parenting is essential. Techniques such as offering choice, respecting needs, and recognizing power struggles can guide a child’s development.
Engaging the body and senses in learning brings education to life. By incorporating physical markers, smells, and movement, you can stimulate and enrich your child’s learning experience.
Josh MacNeill emphasizes the need to embrace your children’s needs and provide various paths to meet expectations. Mindful parenting, founded on understanding, compassion, and positive reinforcement, can lead to a more fulfilling family life.
Navigating the ups and downs of parenting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your child’s emotional needs and adopting a mindful approach, you can create a loving, enriching environment that supports your child’s growth and development. It’s all about connection, compassion, and embracing the beautiful journey of raising a human being.
Resources
- Learn more at inmindservices.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @inmind_services
- Facebook: facebook.com/inmindservicesllc
- Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
- Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
- Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Go to bravewriter.com/getting-started
- Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
- Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Produced by NOVA Media
