Need to Boost Your Child's Motivation in Math? Here's How

Are you concerned about your child’s lack of motivation in math? Studies show that  motivation is a vital component to math success. Learn six ways to cultivate self-motivation in your child. Although this article specifically talks about math, these tips will work in other areas of life, too.

1. Emphasize intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation is the desire to do an activity for pleasure, satisfaction, or fun. Extrinsic motivation may inspire a child to do math homework for a reward, like candy, money, or praise. Intrinsic motivation has a longer lasting effect on behavior than extrinsic motivation.

You can tell what your children are intrinsically motivated to do by noting what they do in their free time. If you have to battle and coerce your child to engage in math activities, they are not yet intrinsically motivated in it. Intrinsic motivation changes depending on many factors, including the culture, confidence, fun, and support structures.