My Child is Not Interested in Learning. What Should I Do?
Does your child seem unmotivated or discouraged about learning? Here's what you can do to get your child excited about learning:
My child is not interested in learning. What should I do?
Children are naturally curious, and curiosity is the first step towards learning.
But when a child doesn’t seem too enthusiastic to learn new things, you may start wondering why, and what you can do to change that.
Here are a few things you can try to encourage your child and keep them motivated to study and learn.
Be present and supportive
Providing emotional and physical support is the best thing you can give your children.
This creates a safe space and encourages open and sincere communication between you and your child.
When a child opens up about their likes and dislikes about studying, validate them. Doing so gives them a sense of assurance and added motivation that they can be comfortably open about their educational experience without being judged or discouraged.
Lead your child by example by showing enthusiasm towards learning. You can read books before bed or watch documentaries together. You may even learn a thing or two when you consistently spend time exploring new topics with your child!
Focus on your child's strengths
Instead of worrying over their weaknesses, focus on your child’s strengths. Like we previously mentioned, if kids find the subject matter interesting, they’re likely to be more enthusiastic about learning it.
Once you’ve identified the subjects or topics your child enjoys, create different ways for them to learn.
For example, if they’re into learning about the solar system, help them find books or educational materials on the topic. Then expand on it by introducing your child to new books on specific planets or related topics like astronauts and space missions.
Simple practices like this give your child a sense of confidence and real progress when it comes to learning, which can add to the enjoyment.
This will also encourage the child to stay motivated and not give up easily when faced with difficult topics or challenging questions.
Give your child freedom in their learning
Strike a balance between guiding your child and letting them control their own learning experience.
When a child feels controlled, they quickly withdraw from learning. They will see it as something that they have to do because their parents forced them into it.
But when you give them a chance to exercise their sense of freedom in learning, you will see their level of self-motivation and interest in the subject matter increase.
You can do this especially during the holiday season, when there are no school lessons scheduled. Let them draw up their own study schedule and determine which topics they’d like to learn more about or revise.
(Of course, you still have to guide them to ensure all bases are covered, especially if they try to get out of reviewing topics they dislike or are weaker in!)
Manage expectations by setting goals together
In some cases, when some parents are concerned about their child’s school performance, they end up placing too much stress on their child, pushing them to excel no matter what.
However, there may be negative repercussions when children feel pressured by their parents to excel in school.
Instead, try discussing the goals you both have for your child’s school performance. You could also work out the steps to achieving those goals together.
Doing this will help your child enjoy the little achievements they’ve made. Slowly but surely, they will discover that they are able to reach the expectations that have been set for them!
And if you feel that it’ll help your child, you can even provide rewards when they hit large goals, like topping their personal best in a specific subject.
Make learning fun for your child
Learning doesn’t only take place in school.
Take time to explore enrichment activities or develop non-academic skills for your child. You could even build their interest in activities that aren’t strictly academic but could still benefit them in school.
For example, enrol your child in speech and drama workshops that build public speaking and presentation abilities, or coding classes that build logic and analytical skills.
You could even get creative and try out hands-on learning activities at home, such as card games for practising Math or do-it-yourself Science experiments.
Enrichment classes to develop an interest in learning while boosting your child’s performance
If you are having a hard time coaching your children at home, PAL Learning offers an interactive and engaging online programme for children in English, Math and Science.
Our programmes are specifically planned to help your child learn through fun and hands-on activities from the comfort of your own homes. Your child can look forward to games, quizzes and even special AR components in their classes!
Find out more about our programmes and sign up with us today.