This is a collaborative post
Of all the worries parents face, one of the most bothersome is their child’s work ethic. Of course, we all want our child to be hardworking and for some children, that comes naturally. For others, it’s not so natural and they may need encouragement.
It can be difficult trying to maintain the balance of being carefree and hard-working – especially when it comes to teens who might also be struggling with various issues.
Nobody wants to overwhelm their child but all parents want their child to be successful so it may sometimes feel like a fine line to tread. Here are some simple ways to encourage your child to work hard without making them feel too pressured or overwhelmed.
Focus on effort
While the end goal of a child’s work is important – passing exams or achieving prizes, for example, putting too much emphasis on the final accomplishment rather than the effort your child puts into their various activities can make them feel that their efforts are somewhat insignificant, and it can make difficult tasks seem impossible.
Instead, try to shift your attention towards acknowledging and congratulating their efforts When children and young people see you notice their efforts, they feel more satisfaction and are generally encouraged to work harder.
Embrace challenges
Teach your child that engaging in tasks which they consider difficult is the only way to grow both as a person and a student. Teach them that failure represents a new learning curve and a fresh opportunity to try again.
Pupils at this boarding school in Hertfordshire are regularly pushed to go beyond their own boundaries in a safe and nurturing environment. When children feel supported they are capable of surprising things.
It can be helpful to let your child know that everyone struggles from time to time, including adults. Encourage your child to ask questions – asking questions is always a good thing.
Be specific with praise
It can be easy to praise your child with a general statement about their character, but it is best to avoid this as much as possible. Praise them for specific things they have done well, and notice the areas in which they developed extra skills or more patience.
Specific and immediate feedback is gratifying for children and they then understand that you see their efforts and appreciate them individually. Helping your child become a hard worker can be challenging however it is important to remember that they will benefit very much in the long run as long as you help them to understand that working hard pays off.
