Children are motivated by a variety of factors, which can be broadly categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Here are some common examples of what motivates children:
Common Motivators for Children
- Desire to please adults: Many children, especially younger ones, are motivated by wanting to make their parents, teachers, or other adults happy when they learn or achieve something new
- Desire to do well in school: Older children often feel motivated by academic success and the importance of good grades, which encourages them to keep learning
- Desire to make friends: Social motivation plays a big role for younger kids who learn that acquiring new skills or knowledge can help them connect with peers
- Desire to understand the world: Older children may be driven by curiosity and the wish to comprehend the bigger picture of how things work around them
- Passion and interests: Children motivated by their personal interests-such as robotics, music, arts, or science-are more engaged when these passions are nurtured and encouraged
- Goal setting and achievement: Setting short-term and long-term goals helps children stay motivated by giving them clear targets to work toward and celebrate when reached
- Positive encouragement and belief: Children are motivated when parents and caregivers express belief in their abilities, offer praise creatively, and maintain a positive, optimistic outlook
- Healthy competition: Encouraging children to engage in friendly competition can boost motivation by fostering a sense of challenge and accomplishment
- Connection and relationships: Strong, positive relationships with parents and caregivers motivate children to meet expectations and engage in learning or tasks because they care about those relationships
- Rewards and small incentives: While intrinsic motivators are more effective long-term, small rewards like special snacks, game time, or privileges can help motivate children in the short term
Strategies to Foster Motivation
- Praise achievements in creative ways, such as using visual charts or stickers to celebrate progress
- Encourage a growth mindset by framing challenges as opportunities to learn and emphasizing effort over innate ability
- Support curiosity and play, allowing children to explore and learn through enjoyable activities
- Get involved in your child's interests and learning journey, showing genuine interest and support
In summary, children are motivated by a mix of internal desires-such as curiosity, social connection, and personal interests-and external factors like praise, goals, and rewards. Understanding what specifically drives your child can help tailor support to keep them engaged and enthusiastic about learning and growth
