In today’s fast growing, competitive world, children have to work faster, learn more and perform efficiently. It is not just striving and burning the midnight oil during examinations but a continuous everyday effort which pays off these days.

However, success is not always easy to achieve and may elude the child despite the hard work. This is because the standards today are very high. What then must be done to motivate the child and boost his morale in order to achieve optimum results?

A comfortable and quiet place must be chosen where the child can study, finish homework, work on assignments or simply read a book. Whether it is the child’s room or a separate study is completely immaterial. What is more important is that the child uses it whenever he has to work.

Before the child starts to work, five minutes should be set aside to see that his or her stationery and books are present. Hence, once the child starts to work, there will be no need to start searching for them.

It is also important that a regular routine be established and the child knows what he or she will be doing after returning from school. It is not just important that they know their work/study hours but the entire routine. This should also include their play/free time, as focus only on work would frustrate and stress them.

Thinking skills are extremely important. It is essential not to teach to cram but to teach to enlighten. Ask your child ‘What is the most interesting thing you learnt today?’ This would help him think about the day’s learning.

Parents serve as role models. Read yourself and encourage your children to read as well. In fact a separate reading time should be made a part of the daily routine. Reading books adds to vocabulary, organisation of thought and improving comprehension while naturally enhancing the language skills.

It does not, however, mean books, books and more books! In fact a child can learn and enjoy from skill-honing games such as Scrabble as well as watch educational programmes on television. Playing electronic games and watching television should serve as rewards rather than be regarded as rights.

Does motivation then just come through books, routine, etc. No, this is a very narrow perspective because the aim is not producing high achievers but complete individuals through self actualisation. Therefore it is not only to motivate the child so that he does well in school but imbibe within him or her values which will guide them and provide them with the strength to face everyday challenges throughout life and prove themselves capable.

Love your children unconditionally and make sure they know that you love them regardless of how they perform. Parents should have realistic expectations concerning their children’s performance and not set unrealistically high standards. Unrealistic goals increase the likelihood of failure, which in turn lowers morale, making it difficult for the children to try again.

Guide your children to deal with their emotions as success and failure are a part of life. Knowing how to get back up and try again after a failure is what life is all about. After all, God has imbibed within us courage to face all of life’s challenges and strength to soar above them all.

The writer is a teacher.