| The summer has begun and you are probably | | | | parents’ attitudes? Everyone is motivated to do |
| concerned that your child will be lounging in front of | | | | something. So where does the motivation come |
| the TV, playing game boy, or listening to their ipod all | | | | from? First, are the Extrinsic Factors, i.e., things |
| day. Was the school year a constant struggle to | | | | outside of a person that determine their motivation |
| complete the work and keep the grades up? Many | | | | (for example: good grades, praise, rewards and |
| families struggle with these issues on a daily basis. In | | | | negative attention). On the other hand are the |
| order to plan for your child during the summer and | | | | Intrinsic Factors, i.e. things inside a person that |
| prepare them for the year ahead, you need to know | | | | determine their motivation (for example, feelings of |
| their needs as well as their likes. | | | | accomplishment, achievement and success). Another |
| For children who have struggled through school with | | | | issue that affects a child’s motivation is their |
| a learning issue or psychological problem, such as | | | | home environment, with causes such as: if there is |
| depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD the summer is a | | | | underlying depression, anxiety, difficulty focusing,; if |
| perfect time to receive therapy, catch up and build | | | | there are greater concerns—dad lost his job, |
| up skills through tutoring, therapeutic and/or academic | | | | impending divorce, death in the family, then full effort |
| programs. Mind Spectrum Institute in North Miami | | | | and motivation takes a back seat. Finally, there’s |
| Beach is one of those places that specialize in the | | | | the impending needs, such as need to belong, be |
| treatment of children and adults for conditions such | | | | accepted, or physical needs like security and health. |
| as depression, anxiety and ADD or ADHD.. For | | | | All of the latter can cause lack of motivation, poor |
| others, especially the teenagers, the summer is a | | | | self-esteem, and isolation and health issues. |
| perfect time to work, learn some responsibilities and | | | | If you find that your child is suffering from any of |
| earn spending money so they can go out with their | | | | the above symptoms, specially you perceive an |
| peers. For those children with special talents, drives | | | | underlying depression or anxiety the first thing to do |
| and skills, a specialty camp to reinforce these skills will | | | | is to talk to your child and get their input. Plan ahead |
| be ideal. For all others, being involved in camp, sports, | | | | what your concerns are and the possible solutions. It |
| and playful activities should be encouraged. I believe | | | | is important to remain impartial and non-judgmental |
| that children who have too much free time are more | | | | and to listen rather than lecture your child. To |
| likely to get in trouble than children who are busy. | | | | empower and motivate your child you want to |
| Children have a natural tendency to experiment and | | | | determine their likes and dislikes as well as their |
| be mischievous. Does this mean they cannot have | | | | energy levels. Finally, present a list of alternatives and |
| free time and just enjoy the summer? This means | | | | allow them to choose. Having a purpose and working |
| three months is too much free time for any child | | | | towards a goal is a great motivator. Remember, |
| (and for most parents who need to work and cannot | | | | most people can be motivated to do something; we |
| supervise and entertain their children). What if your | | | | only need to figure out what they really like and |
| child does not want to participate in any of these | | | | what the rewards are. Therefore, the next time your |
| activities? | | | | child seems unmotivated, take the time to look, listen |
| What do we know about motivation? First we must | | | | and plan a strategy. If all else fails seek therapy for |
| rule out that there is no depression or anxiety | | | | your child. An untreated depression, anxiety, learning |
| interfering with the child’s day to day behavior. If | | | | disability or emotional issue can have a negative |
| so seek help and treatment. We know several | | | | impact on the child and their development. There are |
| factors influence motivation, such as: Is the task | | | | special centers for the treatment of depression, |
| elective or required? What kind of student is the | | | | anxiety and children’s emotional issues. |
| child? What is the environment like? What are the | | | | |