A doubt of many parents, they wish their children the best, not only in the present, but also in the future. For this reason, they are concerned about their development and education and tend to get restless when they realize that they are not involved in their studies.

This situation is quite common, after all, children and adolescents tend to focus more on the now, engaging in other activities that generate pleasure and fun. The good news is that it is possible to help them build that interest and, consequently, the habit of studying.
Importance of knowing how to motivate the child to study.
Forcing someone to do what they don't want to do is not a good strategy to help build a habit. In general, the result obtained is the opposite of what is desired, generating even more resistance and withdrawal. This happens because the necessary motivation was not produced for the person to recognize the importance and benefits of the proposed activity.
When we talk about studying, it becomes particularly significant. Children and adolescents tend to see studies as a mere obligation, without really realizing the meaning of this task for their present and future lives.
To change this frame, it is worth changing the focus. In other words, instead of investing in enforcement, invest in motivation. Motivating them means awakening their interest, talking to their realities and making the moment of study more pleasant, pleasant and full of meaning.

What is the role of parents at this time?
To help them build, or discover, motivation in their studies, family and school must join forces and maintain an ongoing dialogue. This means that the responsibility for the learning of children and adolescents is not just the educational institution or teachers.

Without the participation and monitoring of parents, this mission becomes much more difficult. Building habits depends on consistency, emotional support, routine, a conducive and healthy environment, encouragement, attention and identification of a problem and its possible causes.

Therefore, parents are the most important figures, not only collaborating in the introduction and maintenance of values such as responsibility and commitment, but also in offering to listen and welcome their needs, reporting them so that the school provides quality and effective teaching. .

How to motivate the child to study?

1. Set realistic goals

Planning, that is, the definition of objectives and goals, collaborates a lot for motivation, as the child or adolescent is able to visualize their desires for the future, understanding that the actions of now have significant impacts on tomorrow. Try to call attention to the construction of realistic goals, possible to be achieved and that depend on your attitudes.

2. Establish a routine

Help your child establish a study routine that does not overload him and in which he also has spaces for leisure time, social gatherings, outdoor activities, etc. This will allow him to maintain this routine longer, keeping him motivated with it. Added to this, it is a strategy for him to acquire greater and greater autonomy, knowing what and when to do it.

3. Identify the learning style

Each person has ways in which they learn better, that is, to absorb knowledge more easily, fluidly and effectively. There is no one formula that works the same for everyone. That's why it's important to identify your child's learning style, whether he understands more through visual, audio, textual or other resources. It can produce positive effects with regard to school performance, even improving their self-esteem and self-confidence.

4. Offer emotional support

The emotional support of the family is essential for the children's learning. This is due to the fact that, many times, the cause of the lack of motivation and interest in studies is related to emotional, psychological or relational problems. Therefore, identifying these issues in advance, maintaining constant dialogue, providing reception and participating in the child's school routine are very efficient ways to support and contribute to their studies.

5. Ensure an enabling environment

An inadequate environment, poorly ventilated or lit, without the necessary resources and materials, full of noise or distractions makes it difficult to focus and concentrate, impairing learning. Ideally, your child should have an exclusive space for studying, in order to help him create a kind of “ritual” for that moment (which means creating the habit). Everything he might need should be concentrated and organized in this space, but it is interesting to allow him to decorate it according to his personality and tastes.

6. Celebrate small achievements

Motivation is a process that must be reinforced daily. In order for your child to stay engaged in his studies, he needs to be recognized that his efforts are paying off. For that reason, never fail to celebrate his achievements by your side, no matter how small they seem. Encourage him to keep striving, as well as always show that you believe in his potential.

Investigation:

https://www.educationcorner.com/motivating-your-child-to-learn.html
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/how-to-motivate-children-science-based-approaches-for-parents-caregivers-and-teachers/
https://www.parentingforbrain.com/what-motivates-your-child/