“It’s everybody’s dream for our kids to be self-motivated,” psychologist and parenting educator Robin Grille said.

“I’m going to be talking about intrinsic motivation, which is the most powerful driver for all people.” 

He said when children complete a task, whether it is homework or chores, just to seek approval or to avoid shaming or punishment it is a type of motivation that does not last in the long term and can bring up other problems as well.

“When kids are shown how to take ownership of what they do, if they have a personal stake in the outcome, that motivation is far more enduring and healthier for the child,” Grille said.  

He said children who learn while pursing their own passions work very hard, become more resilient and more persistent. 

“Kids are hungry learners. When kids do what they love, it’s better than just being told what to do,” Grille said.

When at home, ways to encourage intrinsic motivation can be achieved by parents helping their children take take ownership of a task.

“They are more likely to take ownership if they have a choice of what task they can do,” Grille said. 

He has seen large families operate well when there was a level of democracy around what chores needed completing. 

“Playfulness is also big, when we can turn things into a game as a family,” he said.  

For educators, teaching children to become more intrinsically-motivated can be achieved by regularly asking children what they love then providing opportunities to pursue that passion. 

For instance, Grille said a child that loves animals can learn “all they need to know about literacy and numeracy” while researching animals. 

His seminar on Getting Your Child To Do Stuff is on Friday, July 27 from 6pm at Mumbulla School, Bega. Tickets are $10, visit www.trybooking.com/WBXS.

He will hold another seminar on your “inner child” on July 28 from 9am at Mumbulla School. For more information call 0431 694 292.