Today’s children and teens live in a world full of screens and temptations. It has become normal for parents to find themselves in a daily battle — convincing their child to sit down and study, or to put away their phone and get some physical exercise!
The goal, after all, is not to make a child a perfect student or an outstanding athlete, but to help them discover the joy of learning and movement for themselves.
This insight comes from Dr. Saeed Abdul Rahman, Professor of Child Psychology, who offers practical, research-based steps to help parents understand the roots of laziness and turn it into positive energy and motivation for success.
1. Practical Tips to Make Studying Enjoyable
Understand the cause before confronting it
Research shows that nearly one-third of children worldwide struggle with school-related issues due to psychological pressure or rigid routines. So the first step toward change is communication and active listening.
Ask your child gently:
“What makes you dislike studying?” or “What bothers you in sports class?”
The answer might reveal something simple, like fear from a previous failure or a strict teacher — or it might point to deeper emotional causes.
Turn studying into a fun experience, not a chore
That means sitting with your child, asking about what they learned, and praising their effort is far more powerful than scolding or threatening them.
Try this:
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Break study time into short sessions (20–30 minutes) with small breaks.
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Keep a consistent daily study time so it becomes a habit.
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Offer small rewards after tasks — a short outing, favorite snack, or extra playtime.
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Connect lessons to daily life, like using math for shopping or cooking.
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Study together — read a story, or do a simple science experiment side by side.
2. Simple Ways to Encourage Physical Activity
Be a role model for movement and energy
Children learn by example. If your child sees you walking, stretching, or exercising regularly, they’ll gradually want to do the same.
Experts recommend that children and teens get at least one hour of physical activity daily — not just for physical health, but to improve focus, mental performance, and academic success.
Research shows that active children perform over 10% better in school than less active peers.
Ideas to make it fun:
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Make physical activity a weekly family habit — walking in the park, cycling, or dancing in the living room.
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Let your child choose the sport they enjoy — not the one you prefer.
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Use music to make movement exciting.
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Join small challenges together: “Who can jump higher?” “Who can run faster?”
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Avoid comparisons with other children — everyone has their own pace.
Remember, free outdoor play is never a waste of time. Studies show that kids who spend at least an hour outdoors daily have better focus and problem-solving skills.
3. Praise the Effort, Not the Result
Say:
“I’m proud that you tried hard,”instead of“Good job because you got a high score.”
This small shift makes a big difference in how a child views learning and sports.
4. Connect Learning to Real Life
To stay motivated, children need to see the purpose of what they’re learning.
Educational studies show that children who connect their lessons to real-life experiences improve their understanding by nearly 25% compared to traditional learners.
5. Don’t Ignore the Emotional Side
Offer emotional support, remind your child that their worth isn’t defined by grades or athletic skills, but by who they are — a kind, curious, and hardworking person.
Emotional security is the strongest foundation for success in school and in life.
6. Quick Action Steps to Boost Motivation
7. A Sample Balanced Daily Routine
Research shows that children feel more secure and responsible when they follow a structured daily routine. It doesn’t need to be strict — just balanced between study, rest, and play:
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