Want your kids to be motivated from the inside out? Intrinsic motivation is when children do things because they genuinely enjoy them—not just for rewards or praise.
Here's the tricky part: if your child loves reading and you start paying them per book, you might accidentally kill that natural love. Research shows external rewards can actually hurt internal motivation.
Things to Think About:
Give them choices - Let them pick their bedtime book or how to tackle homework
Connect to their interests - Use what they already love as a starting point
Praise effort, not just results - Say "you worked so hard" instead of "you're so smart”
Welcome mistakes - Show them that failing is part of learning
Let them set their own goals - Ask what they want to work on, don't decide for them
Show them what it looks like - Let them see you reading or doing hobbies just because you enjoy them.
Key Takeaway: When kids own their motivation, they build confidence and self-awareness that will serve them long after they leave home.
Sparking Your Child's Inner Drive Dr. Linda Pak
Want your kids to be motivated from the inside out? Intrinsic motivation is when children do things because they genuinely enjoy them—not just for rewards or praise.
Here's the tricky part: if your child loves reading and you start paying them per book, you might accidentally kill that natural love. Research shows external rewards can actually hurt internal motivation.
Things to Think About:
Give them choices - Let them pick their bedtime book or how to tackle homework
Connect to their interests - Use what they already love as a starting point
Praise effort, not just results - Say "you worked so hard" instead of "you're so smart”
Welcome mistakes - Show them that failing is part of learning
Let them set their own goals - Ask what they want to work on, don't decide for them
Show them what it looks like - Let them see you reading or doing hobbies just because you enjoy them.
Key Takeaway: When kids own their motivation, they build confidence and self-awareness that will serve them long after they leave home.
BelayTM content is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for one-on-one therapy or medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or replace the relationship with a medical expert. If you are in crisis or have an emergency, please call 911 or the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988
