Promoting well-being: Motivation

Follow their lead

Babies naturally look towards novel things and away from familiar objects or new ones that are too complex. Notice what they pay attention to and engage with their interests.

Elicit curiosity

When children drop something or throw it, they are trying to see what will happen next. Provide opportunities to interact with new objects and let them lead and learn.

Encourage playful exploration

Play is intrinsically motivating as it presents an opportunity for novel experiences and learning from others, requires active engagement, strengthens social bonds and reduces stress.

Prioritise social interactions

While children can learn from screens, even the best apps cannot replace real-life social interactions.

Challenge just enough

Children will work towards achievable goals but lose motivation when a task is too easy or difficult. Adapt challenges to their current capabilities and provide feedback on their performance.

Give agency

Children are more motivated when they have self-determination and are allowed to choose their own projects or affect how a task gets done.

Provide incentives only when necessary

When children are rewarded for something they enjoy, they may do it only when they know they will be compensated afterwards. Harness natural curiosity rather than promising a reward.

Praise the process, not the outcome

Praising results encourages children to shy away from challenges in fear of failure. Praise children for their effort and help them see falling short as an opportunity to learn and improve.

Adapted from guidance by the Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University, https://developingchild.harvard.edu