I touched on motivation a while back on Instagram (@theanthillcommunity) – did you see it? If not, that’s okay! (But you really should be following us because we have great tips, community and freebies there) It’s such an interesting and important topic, I thought it’d be worth a deeper dive for home ed parents.
So let’s get started… Home ed can feel like a headfirst dive into deep waters of the unknown. How to stay motivated on those low energy days? How should we learn: scheduled or go with the flow? What if we’re not naturally motivated? These are all valid questions! Let’s find some answers below:
1. Motivation isn’t fixed, it’s shaped.
Children aren’t born motivated or unmotivated. Research in educational psychology shows that motivation develops through experiences, relationships, and the environment. The way adults respond to effort, curiosity, and mistakes plays a huge role in shaping it.
2. Intrinsic motivation leads to deeper learning.
Kids who learn because they want to understand, not because of external rewards (like stickers or praise), retain information longer and are more creative. Intrinsic motivation builds curiosity, not just compliance.
3. Choice fuels motivation.
Studies consistently show that when children have some control over their learning, their motivation skyrockets. Autonomy fosters ownership. This is why combining Minecraft and math is always a good idea! That is, of course, if it’s one of their interests.
4. Praise can backfire, depending on how it’s used.
Saying “You’re so smart!” might actually lower motivation over time. Kids praised for their effort (“You worked hard on that!”) develop a growth mindset, while those praised for ability may start fearing failure. Of course, it’s better to praise than criticise, but maybe just use that type of praise sparingly1
5. Motivation thrives on connection.
Now this is quite an important one! According to self-determination theory, one of the strongest human drives is relatedness: feeling understood, seen, and supported. When children feel emotionally safe and connected to their parent or teacher, they’re more willing to take risks and stay engaged.
6. Small wins matter more than big goals.
Progress fuels persistence. When kids can see tangible signs of improvement (finishing a book, improving in math, or mastering a new skill) their brain releases dopamine, reinforcing the desire to keep going.
7. Pressure decreases motivation.
When children feel pressured to perform, their stress hormones rise, creativity drops, and motivation weakens. Gentle accountability works better than high stakes expectations.
8. Curiosity is a natural motivator.
Children are wired to explore. Allowing questions, detours, and ‘why’ moments keeps that natural drive alive. Overly rigid structures can unintentionally shut curiosity down.
9. Motivation fluctuates and that’s normal.
Even adults aren’t motivated every day. Kids go through natural highs and lows depending on sleep, emotions, and developmental stages. The goal isn’t constant motivation, it’s helping them return to engagement after dips.
10. Meaning boosts effort.
When kids understand why something matters (‘we’re learning fractions so we can bake cupcakes’), they work harder and care more. Purpose gives learning context and context gives it staying power.
Once you get to grips with a new way of learning, you’ll notice that a lot of pressures slowly start to ease. Learning doesn’t stay confined to a classroom, but can be enjoyed anywhere. It goes from stressful deadlines, to a relaxed self paced environment with your own timetable. On hard days where you struggle to get things done, just remember that it’s a journey and not a race!