Monthly Tips from Therese: 5 Real Tips I Use to Motivate My Kids in School
“My child just isn’t motivated… what can I do?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not a bad parent for wondering. In fact, as both a parent and an educator, I’ve heard this question so many times that I decided to turn it into a conversation—with my own kids!
I asked them, “What advice have I given you over the years that actually helped you stay motivated in school?”
They gave me five honest answers—and I think they’ll resonate with your family too.
These aren’t just tips from a textbook; these are tried-and-true pieces of advice that helped my own children stay focused, confident, and inspired. I’m excited to share them with you, all in one place 💛
🔹 Tip #1: Know Your Future Goals & Career
“Why am I even studying this?”
Sound familiar? If your child doesn’t see how school fits into their future, motivation can take a nosedive. But once they connect what they’re learning to their dreams, everything starts to click.
Try this:
- Ask them, “If you could have any job, what would it be?”
- Find role models in that field and explore their education path.
- Create a vision board near their study area—it’s a daily dose of purpose!
🔹 Tip #2: Seek Guidance
“I just don’t get this. I’m not good at it.”
Kids often feel stuck and assume it means they’re not smart enough. But just like athletes need coaches, students need support too.
Try this:
- Be their study buddy—say, “Let’s figure this out together.”
- Encourage study groups with friends who are passionate learners.
- Get a tutor who can make tough subjects feel manageable and even fun!
🔹 Tip #3: Put in the Extra Work
“I did my homework, isn’t that enough?”
Homework is great, but true growth comes from what kids choose to do outside of assignments. It’s about practicing like a pro, not just showing up for game day.
Try this:
- Block out weekly review sessions—even without homework.
- Use the “teach back” method: if they can teach it, they’ve mastered it.
- Add mini challenges, like solving extra math problems or reading one chapter more.
🔹 Tip #4: Provide Positive Reinforcement
“They just don’t try hard enough!”
Sometimes, what looks like laziness is really a lack of encouragement.
Kids thrive when we celebrate their effort—not just their results. When we shift the focus from perfect scores to personal growth, we build confidence that lasts.
Try this:
- Praise their persistence (“I love how you kept going!”)
- Celebrate even the small wins with notes, treats, or shoutouts.
- Keep a growth mindset—mistakes are how we grow, not how we fail.
🔹 Tip #5: Commit to Hard Work
“I’ll never be good at this. It’s too hard.”
One of the biggest mindset shifts for kids? Realizing that success isn’t about being “naturally smart”—it’s about being willing to work.
Try this:
- Remind them that it’s okay to struggle. It’s part of learning.
- Share stories of people who worked hard to succeed—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs.
- Encourage consistent effort and celebrate grit, not just achievement.
💬 Final Thoughts from Therese
These five tips aren’t just ideas—they’re part of my daily life as a mom and an educator. They’ve helped my own kids stay motivated, and I’ve seen them work for my students too.
At Frenchetvoila, we build more than just academic skills—we build confidence, resilience, and a love for learning. Whether it’s Math, Science, French, or English, I’m here to help your child thrive with personalized strategies that make learning feel exciting again.
✨ Want to hear what other families are saying?
👉 Check out our 5-star Google Reviews!
📞 Ready to help your child unlock their full potential?
Smarter learning starts here—with Frenchetvoila.
With heart,
Therese
