Full Description
"He's so smart, but he's no longer interested in school--or any 'offline' activities."
"She used to love sports, but now she just mopes around."
"My kid has turned into such a slacker!"
Sound familiar? If you're wondering how your bright, motivated little kid became such an unmotivated adolescent, you're not alone. Fortunately, help is at hand! In this compassionate guide, psychologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten explains that kids who have lost the will to do anything (other than play video games) need more than simple encouragement or the "right" school, teacher, or coach to get back on track. Instead, Dr. Braaten helps you understand the myriad biological, psychological, and social factors that affect motivation, and get to know your own child's unique strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits better. Gain vital tools for tackling the motivational problems that are so pervasive today--and build a plan to boost your child's confidence and engagement in life.
Contents
Introduction
I. Why Some Kids Couldn't Care Less
1. Why Doesn't My Bright Kid Seem to Care about Anything?
2. The Parenting APP for Motivating Kids: Aptitude, Pleasure, and Practice
3. Aptitude: What Are Your Child's Strengths?
4. Pleasure: What Does Your Child Enjoy?
5. Practice: What Does Your Child Persist At?
II. Knowing Your Child—and Yourself
6. Why Understanding Your Child's Unique Qualities Is Important
7. How Your Expectations Can Get in the Way
8. Adjusting Your Parenting Style to Fit the Child You Have
III. Keys to Helping Your Child Care More
9. Set Goals That You Can Both Get Behind
10. Stay Flexible to Keep Your Child Motivated
IV. When You Need Extra Help
11. When to Worry and What to Do
12. Resources
Index
