A child starts to want to learn as far back as in utero. A child grows in utero to have different cranial nerves in order to be ready for their birth process. This is a very physical development but, it is also a very emotional one because a child is driven by the voice of the mother. The mother’s voice is the motivation and connection a child receives during their developmental stage that motivates the child to want to develop and learn.

One very important token of motivation is the concept of intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when one does something because you enjoy it or find it interesting. A typically developing child usually has a natural innate motivation to achieve goals that they are interested in; for example; crawling, walking or talking.

Once their cognitive skill has developed into more reasoning; extrinsic motivation begins to make sense to them. Extrinsic motivation refers to behaviour that is driven by external rewards such as money, grades or constant praise. Usually, a child turns away from learning to avoid unpleasant experiences. The more new the task appears challenging, the more reason to want to avoid it. Children in general, all want to succeed. This motivation is not the method that works best.

Intrinsic motivation is the method to making a child develop and learn. The key to motivate your child’s inner drive to succeed is “relationships!” It is extremely important for the child to connect with you in order to want to learn from you, whether you are a teacher, coach, parent, trainer or friend. Once you harness the mind into wanting to use that innate drive, more assimilation occurs as it was naturally meant. You will see the child’s drive coming forward and start leading the way, while we support the weaknesses that cause struggling paths. It becomes a delightful journey of the child leading, feeling in control, and us intervening at the right time to support that important intrinsic motivation.