11 February, 2015
We all want to motivate our teens to do their best in school. But research suggests that some things simply don't work very well. Here are some things to avoid:
~Unearned praise.
~Fear, threats and punishment. ("If you don't get at least a B on this test, there will be no TV for a month.")
~Overly simplified statements. ("No guts, no glory.")
~Name-calling, nagging, blaming or placing guilt. ("You're lazy and you'll never get into college if you don't straighten up.")
~Comparisons between siblings. ("Your brother always brought home A's. What's wrong with you?")
~Making excuses for failure. ("That teacher doesn't like you.")
~Expecting too much or too little. ("Oh, well, I was never any good in math either.")
Source: Donald R. Grossnickle, Helping Students Develop Self-Motivation: A Sourcebook for Parents and Educators, National Association of Secondary School Principals.
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