Unlocking Motivation: Helping Students Choose Success

boy doing homework

In today’s educational environment, we are more aware than ever that student motivation and engagement is essential for lasting learning. I can’t tell you how many times as a school counselor, I had discussions with teachers, parents and kids about being motivated. However, I’m afraid we rarely discussed how important intrinsic motivation is vs. extrinsic…

Read More

How to Raise Responsible, Self-Reliant Children

Family at kitchen

Helping Kids Develop a Can Do Attitude I often hear teachers and parents alike lament that the students today have little intrinsic motivation and initiative. Certainly as a school counselor, I  often presented lessons on being responsible. When asked what it means to be responsible, children usually have a good idea. They would identify tasks like…

Read More

Getting Kids to Take Initiative

Working together at elementary school.

Kids and Initiative I often hear teachers lament that the students today have little intrinsic motivation and initiative. Certainly as a school counselor, I  often presented lessons on being responsible. When asked what it means to be responsible, children usually have a good idea.  When asked what responsibilities they have, I would get a variety of…

Read More

Why you can’t motivate kids…

girl exploring nature i

Why you can’t motivate kids… Do your school work! Where is  your homework! Clean up your desk! Follow directions without reminders. How many of your referrals are for kids who are too stubborn, won’t cooperate and don’t do their work? How much of your time as a counselor is spent trying to motivate students? What…

Read More

Teach Kids Not to Give Up

girl-with-thumbs-up

Do you have a student who gives up easily? Is her philosophy that if she can’t succeed right away, then there’s no point in trying? Does he always anticipate failure when faced with an obstacle? We all face challenges and difficulty from time to time. What makes the difference between someone who persists in the…

Read More