When we think of young children, for the most part, lazy isn’t usually one of the first adjectives we use to describe most of them. We picture them being energetic, running, playing and enjoying life as they should. My children seem to be full of energy when it comes to everything except school work. Something mysterious happens when it comes time for studying or finishing homework.
Out of nowhere our children conveniently become extremely tired so much so they can barely keep their eyes open to complete the task. When they can muster up enough energy to complete the work it has not measured up to our standards and they are quickly returned back to the drawing board.
I imagine I am not alone in this challenge. I remember as a kid, outside of friends, school was less than exciting and I am sure I didn’t put much effort into my school work either. But I refuse to see my children repeat that same lazy behavior.
Our children are presented with more opportunity than ever before. Their dreams can actually become a reality, more than that of any generation before them. It would pain me to see their talents wasted and they not live up to their truest potential.
In addition to instilling the importance of a quality education, my husband and I must continue to push our daughters outside of their comfort zones. Our high expectations are another major point we are driving home. It is not enough for us as parents to set high expectations; we must encourage our girls to have those expectations of themselves. Having them acknowledge their own areas of improvement and where they have fallen short has given them the insight on how to step it up. We can provide the tools, but it won’t matter if they don’t provide the passion and drive.
My husband has been great at establishing high standards for our daughters. In terms of their grades, he has given our children the following phrase to keep in mind: “I am not familiar with “Fs,” I don’t do “Ds,” I can’t stand “Cs,” and I can do better than “Bs.”
Instilling these beliefs into our girls has had a tremendous affect on their grades (there is still work to be done) but also their confidence. They now believe our expectations are all within their reach. My phrase for them has been more effort plus more energy equals better results.
It may be challenging at times directing our children away from a lazy mindset, but we will continue to push them to the places we are confident they can go. We must empower them so that they aren’t being great just to make us proud, but because it is what they expect of themselves.
BMWK family, how do you motivate your children? What do you do to help them set high expectations for themselves?