The most common reasons kids lack motivation to go to school
Many children struggle with being bored at school. The reasons for this vary: they don't have enough challenges, have a learning difference or mental health condition, or are not motivated by the subject matter. Alternatively, it could be that they need help to sit through so much desk time.
For some children, being bored at school is an occasional occurrence. Still, for others, it's an ongoing complaint that causes real distress, apathy, or frustration and can even lead to school avoidance. It can happen between kindergarten and high school graduation, even after that. It's a common but serious source of worry for parents: You start to notice a lack of motivation and commitment in your child's attitude towards school.
Maybe they don't seem enthusiastic to learn new things. Maybe they're not doing their homework. Maybe their grades are dropping. Maybe a fight occurs whenever you try to sit them down to do work. Whatever the specific problem, many parents wonder, at the beginning of every school year, why a child isn't trying very hard in school and how they can help them get motivated.
Gather information
There are many reasons a child might be bored at school. Here are some first steps you can take to investigate what might be happening:
Define your concerns clearly. What are the behaviors that make you think they're not engaged? If they say they're bored, what do they mean? Many children use the word "bored" to describe their feelings in class, but their definition of "bored" may not match yours. Sometimes, challenged or frustrated kids aren't sure what to call the feeling.
Talk to the teacher. Your child's teacher is one of the best resources you can use to help you identify the issues and then find ways to address them. "The teacher can offer six hours of a day's worth of information about what the child is doing," notes Rachel Busman, clinical psychologist PsyD.
Clarify your expectations. Get a reality check from the teacher to ensure your expectations are realistic for your kid's age and developmental level. Is it part of the learning process? "A child learning to read, for instance, may not be 'motivated' because it's new for them and not the easiest thing," explains Dr. Busman. The teacher can let you know if they think your child is just going through a rough patch.
- Are there changes at school?
It's common for students to stumble during their first couple months of kindergarten or middle school because these transitions require a lot of adjustment. "A lot of preschool settings are much more social and emotional and not so academic, so it's a big change to go from being in preschool to kindergarten," notes Laura Fuhrman, PsyD, a neuropsychologist.
Has your child changed schools?
In the same way, changing schools also may involve some struggling academically as your child adjusts to a new environment.
Are there any social factors?
Unfortunately, kids who do well in school sometimes encounter social isolation, and to avoid being labeled as a geek or a nerd, they may withdraw from academics. While you may have little control over this situation as a parent, the best thing you can do to resist it is to continue fostering a love of learning. Look for opportunities for your child to pursue their interests outside of school and meet other kids who share their interests.
Does your child have a skills deficit?
Continue to see unmotivated kids underperforming. It may be because they haven't developed the skills they need to thrive, because of a learning or language disorder, or executive function weaknesses. When a child encounters difficulty, especially if there is no problem identification, their reaction may be to stop trying in the frustrating area.
"We call it a learned helplessness," Dr. Fuhrman explains. "When they find they're not meeting the level of success, kids tend to give up because whatever they're doing just isn't working." As these skills deficits become more and more difficult to hide, students who are embarrassed or frustrated by their struggles often stop trying to conquer them. With help, kids with skills deficits can eventually excel in school by learning ways to manage these difficulties and utilizing school resources that enable them to play to their strengths.
It could just be boredom.
Though it occurs less often than parents suspect, some children are simply not being stimulated enough by their school settings. These may be what experts call "gifted" kids, whose intellectual capabilities are much stronger than most of their peers. These students will often pursue their academic interests (whether reading, writing, math, or science) outside of school and find the curriculum, going over what they've already learned on their own time, unstimulating.
