We have all been there. You propose tutoring to your child, and they immediately roll their eyes or groan. It’s not that children don’t want to learn, but the idea of sitting down for another lesson after a full day at school may be intimidating. The challenge is to motivate them in such a way that they feel supported rather than pressured. When a child feels pushed to do something, they are more inclined to resist. On the other hand, if individuals believe they have a voice or that the activity matters to them, they are more inclined to participate voluntarily. So, how do you start motivating your children for a tutoring session without making it feel like something they’re forced to do?
1. Focus on the “why” of tutoring
Children are more inclined to cooperate When they understand why they are doing something. Instead of just saying, “You have tutoring today,” take the time to explain why tutoring is necessary. Make it personalised and relevant to their goals.
For example, if your child enjoys sports, you may relate their tutoring session to game practice. Just as in soccer or basketball, practice allows them to improve. Tutoring is the same thing—it’s a tool to help them improve their abilities to feel confident in school. Connecting tutoring to something they care about may help them see it as a chance to achieve their objectives rather than a duty.
2. Let them have some control
Nobody loves feeling like they do not influence their schedule, and children are no exception. Giving students some influence over their tutoring sessions might help them feel more motivated. Allow them, for example, to pick the topics to cover throughout the session. Alternatively, if feasible, let them assist in determining the timing.
It may be as easy as asking, “Would you like to have your tutoring session immediately after school or after you’ve had a snack and some downtime?” Giving them alternatives makes them feel involved in the decision-making process rather than being told what to do. When individuals feel more in control, they are less inclined to oppose the session.
3. Turn learning into a game
Learning does not necessarily include sitting at a desk and studying notes. It can also be enjoyable! Including a fun aspect will help persuade your youngster to attend a tutoring session. This may include making a session a challenge in which they aim to beat their prior scores or timings or awarding them with small rewards for reaching specific milestones.
Children enjoy games, and when tutoring is presented as a challenge or fun rather than a duty, they are more likely to engage. Tutors from businesses such as Alchemy Tuition are typically good at making sessions exciting and participatory, but you can enhance that at home by celebrating little victories. This might be as easy as giving them more screen time or allowing them to select supper after they’ve worked hard during tutoring.
4. Celebrate progress, not perfection
Celebrating students’ achievements, no matter how modest, is one of the most effective methods to keep them motivated for tutoring. It’s tempting to focus on large victories like passing an exam, but recognizing the small steps students take along the path is also vital.
Maybe your child did not achieve an A, but their score improved from the last test. Celebrate that! When children feel recognised for their accomplishments, they are more inclined to persevere. Emphasise how far they’ve come rather than how far they still have to go. This provides a good learning experience, increasing the likelihood that they will look forward to their next tutoring session.
5. Develop a positive routine around tutoring
Children thrive on routine. If your child understands that tutoring is a part of their weekly routine and that they can expect it regularly, it will be less surprising or burdensome. You may make this exercise more fun by incorporating something good throughout the sessions.
For example, if tutoring is scheduled immediately after school, you might establish a custom of preparing a pleasant snack ahead of time. If tutoring is scheduled in the evening, be sure to include some leisure time afterward, such as viewing their favorite program together. By linking tutoring with happy experiences, you establish in your child’s mind that tutoring is not something to dread, but rather part of a regular and fun routine.
Conclusion
Motivating your child to attend tutoring does not have to be an ongoing fight. The goal is to strike a balance between supporting them and allowing them to make the experience their own. Begin by clarifying the “why” of the sessions, giving students some autonomy, and making learning enjoyable. Celebrate your progress and establish a good tutoring habit. This will help kids see tutoring as an opportunity to grow and achieve rather than a chore to be completed.
