Getting your child to do things that you want them to do is tricky but making them do something they don’t think they can do is trickier. This is where they need motivation. Even we, as adults, can accomplish tasks better when motivated. Take motivation factor at work for instance, would you work if you are told your pay is cancelled? NO! But wouldn’t you work harder if you knew there is a bonus coming up?

Here are FOUR great ways to motivate your child for their improvement.

1. Consider their capabilities.
   An expert asked a kid in front of the audience to hand spray on the marked areas of a dart board set up on stage and he will be rewarded $1000. The child refused. The expert told the audience, “How stubborn! Shouldn’t I be more strict with him?” And they laughed. Because they got the point, that reward or punishment doesn’t have anything to do if your expectations from the kid are higher than what he is capable of.

2. Offer Rewards.
   A psychologist writes, potty training her second born proved to be a lot easier when she used reward oriented strategy. Her daughter got a candy every time she did it in the right place. Reason simply being that reward motivated her to do the offered task. Although excising too much rewards oriented strategy will make your child to lose interest in the task and only focus on the reward. He/she will stop performing when the reward stops.

   While offering reward, you need to tell your child the importance of it, and make them focus on the self of confidence they are getting out of it. Like the first time they ride their bicycle, they are thrilled of their newly learned skill. Make them feel that joy to remain true to the task.

3. Appreciation. Kids want to please their parents and that sense of connection is powerfully motivating. Never miss a chance to appreciate your child in the little tasks he does or when he tries something new. Make sure to let your child know that his efforts are valued, and he will never hesitate to try!

4. Lead by example. Children do not do what they are told. They do what they see. If we are not setting the right example, nothing can be motivating enough. And if you set the right track, rest assured, watch your child try to copy you. Give respect and show manners in order to expect them, even through in small step as “please” “thank you” “kindly” and “sorry”.

   Because small gestures sure go a long way.