The Demotivation Of Children: How To Detect It And Deal With It? – Being Parents

When we talk about children, we automatically think of toys, games and activities. When this type of action no longer attracts them, it means that there is a problem. In this case, the question is: what can produce demotivation in children?

Motivation in humans is responsible for 100% accomplishment of the activities planned by the individual. If it did not exist, the human being would be in a waking state, going through a meaningless period.

For this reason, lack of motivation in children should not be taken lightly. It decreases their productivity on all aspects of life. 

When faced with the demotivation of their children, many parents turn to professional help. In reality, they have the impression that they are at an impasse in not knowing how to identify the reasons for this condition.

In the majority of cases, parents are concerned and on alert because they do not know how to help their children. Often times, they even lose their temper.

Symptoms of low motivation in children

It is essential to know how to detect the demotivation of children. The most common proofs of this suffering in children are:

• A demotivated child does not want to do anything, neither homework nor games.
• He has no passion.
• He shows a lack of energy, a certain fatigue.
• The child tends to be lazy.
• He does not show any receptivity to carrying out activities.
• He only performs the tasks required of him and takes no initiative.
• Usually he does not benefit from any activity.
• He does everything very quickly, just out of obligation to do things.

All these symptoms are normal when we know that the demotivation of children is a relatively common phenomenon. It is necessary to take things calmly and not to let the phenomenon take hold over time.

The role of parents

It is important that parents pay attention. It is important to avoid certain behaviors that promote the appearance of demotivation in children. Here are some examples:

• When children are in need of attention.
• If the children do not understand the reason or purpose associated with completing the tasks.
• When you force activities on children without giving them the time or space they need to develop what they really want to do.
• Impose on them tasks that are beyond their capabilities. 
• Do not value what they do which causes them to suffer from the devaluation of their efforts.

Three causes at the origin of the demotivation of children

Several factors are the main culprits of the demotivation of children. The first factor is biological: poor diet or even malnutrition. A hungry child is not able to do the same things as a well-fed child.

The second factor is social. Difficulties in integrating or adapting to a group, bullying or school failure are the main social causes of this disorder.

The last factor is psychological: low self-esteem, fear of making mistakes or listening. Bullying at school is another main cause of children’s demotivation. 

As a parent, it is recommended to assess the situation and analyze the environment of the child in order to detect what is wrong and take action. It is always a good idea to consider children’s skills to determine what activities they can develop. In this way, frustration will be avoided.

It is also important to make sure that the child gets enough sleep, has a varied diet and can count on the affection of both parents. As one can imagine, the majority of these measures must be taken within the home. 

Demotivation within the school environment

When children’s demotivation develops in the school environment, it is important to answer certain questions. What demotivates the child? How can we help him?

Often, the teacher does not realize the skills of the student. He evaluates her in a basic way, takes away her merit and does not pay attention to her emotional needs.

When the student is not carrying out his school activities, it is the teacher’s role to immediately communicate with the parents to explain the situation to them. The common job of the teacher and the family is to help the child to overcome effectively his lack of motivation.

How to avoid demotivation in children?

To avoid the lack of motivation of children, many specialists suggest the need to talk daily with our little ones. Thus, we can know if they are fulfilled or not in the activities they carry out.

If the child feels supported by his parents and his teacher, he will be able to believe in his own strength to carry out his homework optimally and with joy. The establishment of awards and punishments for the performance or not of activities must be respected. 

However, reward motivation should not be used too frequently. The child may only perform tasks for the purpose of receiving a reward and not out of conviction. It is important to teach children to be independent, to have a reality of thought and actions and to offer them options so that they are able to make their own decisions.

In conclusion, a harmonious home, solidarity and support are ideal for the child to develop sufficient confidence to achieve and achieve their personal goals.