Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

A new school year marks a fresh chapter in a child’s educational journey—one filled with opportunities for growth, social engagement, and the development of important life skills. But for many Australian families, transitioning from holidays to term time can be challenging. Whether it’s grappling with early mornings, managing homework, or dealing with anxieties, parents often seek strategies to keep their children motivated and enthusiastic about learning (Australian Institute of Family Studies [AIFS] 2022). Below, we explore evidence-based approaches and relevant psychological insights to help you spark your child’s motivation and sustain it throughout the school year.

Keywords: Motivating your kids, Start of the school year, Child psychology, Intrinsic motivation, Extrinsic motivation, Self-Determination Theory, Self-efficacy in children, NDIS psychology support

Psychologists commonly distinguish between two types of motivation: intrinsic—driven by personal interest or enjoyment in the task itself—and extrinsic—stimulated by rewards or external pressures (Deci & Ryan 1985). While extrinsic motivators (e.g., stickers, praise, treats) can offer a short-term boost, fostering intrinsic motivation often leads to deeper engagement with academic tasks.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) emphasises three core psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Deci & Ryan 1985). When children feel a sense of choice (autonomy), experience success in tasks (competence), and form positive connections with teachers and peers (relatedness), their overall motivation and well-being tend to rise. Encouraging these elements at home can complement similar efforts at school.

Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy underlines how a child’s belief in their ability to succeed can significantly influence their learning behaviour (Bandura 1997). Demonstrating confidence in your child’s potential—and celebrating small wins—helps reinforce a positive self-belief system, which in turn nurtures ongoing motivation.

• SMART Goals: Help your child create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (Locke & Latham 1990). For instance, “Finish reading two chapters by Friday” is more attainable than “Read more books.”
• Incremental Challenges: Gradually increase difficulty levels to stretch your child’s capabilities without overwhelming them. Consistent success fosters confidence and a willingness to take on larger challenges.

• Involvement in Decision-Making: Allowing children to choose extracurricular activities or set parts of their daily schedule can enhance autonomy (Deci & Ryan 1985). For example, let them decide which subject to tackle first for homework.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: If a child struggles with a subject, brainstorm solutions together. This shared approach fosters a sense of ownership and reduces resistance.

• Specific Praise: Focus your praise on the effort or strategy used, rather than personal traits (Dweck 2006). Saying, “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that project!” is more motivating than “You’re so smart.”
• Timely Feedback: Provide constructive insights promptly to help your child understand areas needing improvement. Emphasise that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

• Healthy Routines: Set defined blocks for study, leisure, and family time, ensuring your child has moments to unwind and stay physically active (AIFS 2022).
• Active Breaks: Encourage small but frequent breaks for stretching, short walks, or playful activities. Physical movement can enhance concentration and boost mood (Lubans et al. 2016).

• Dedicated Spaces: A quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions can help children focus on tasks.
• Accessible Resources: Organise stationery, textbooks, and digital tools to be easily reachable, reducing friction when starting homework or study sessions.

Children with ADHD or other learning challenges often require tailored strategies, such as chunking tasks into manageable segments or using visual schedules (American Psychiatric Association 2013). NDIS psychology supports can be instrumental for families needing specialised interventions, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For parents seeking professional guidance outside typical office hours or who live in regional areas, Telehealth psychology services offer remote consultations. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for children who need ongoing mental health support but face geographic or scheduling constraints (Queensland Mental Health Commission 2020).

Make a habit of talking about school daily. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What new idea did you find interesting?” These dialogues help children reflect and stay engaged (AIFS 2022).

Children are often influenced by their friends. Encourage positive peer relationships through group study sessions or team-based extracurriculars. Shared learning experiences can foster collaboration, empathy, and a mutual sense of accountability (Baumeister & Leary 1995).

Celebrate achievements—both big and small. Recognising milestones such as completing a reading list or showing improvement in maths tests helps maintain motivation. Communicate that success is not solely about grades but includes effort, growth, and positive attitudes towards learning (Dweck 2006).

If a child persistently displays signs of anxiety, low mood, or a lack of engagement that disrupts daily functioning, consider consulting a child psychologist. Early intervention can prevent academic struggles and emotional distress from escalating (National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC] 2017).

Calm ‘n’ Caring Psychology offers:

• In-Clinic Care: Face-to-face sessions across Australia, addressing school-related stress and motivation issues.
• At-Home Sessions (NDIS Participants): For children with disabilities, ensuring personalised psychological support.
• Telehealth Psychology: 24/7, accessible anywhere in Australia, convenient for busy families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Resources and counselling for parents balancing workplace responsibilities with family life.

Motivating your kids at the start of the school year is about more than just keeping up with homework or memorising facts—it is about nurturing a positive mindset, building resilience, and fostering a lifelong passion for learning (Bandura 1997; Deci & Ryan 1985). By setting realistic goals, encouraging autonomy, and maintaining open communication, you can help your child build a robust foundation for the months ahead.

If motivation becomes a consistent struggle, remember that professional help is available. Organisations like Calm ‘n’ Caring Psychology provide tailored services—from in-clinic to Telehealth psychology—that support children’s mental health and educational success.

• American Psychiatric Association 2013, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edn), American Psychiatric Publishing, Arlington.
• Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) 2022, Supporting Children’s Mental Health, AIFS, viewed 26 January 2025, https://aifs.gov.au/.
• Baumeister, R.F. & Leary, M.R. 1995, ‘The Need to Belong: Desire for Interpersonal Attachments as a Fundamental Human Motivation’, Psychological Bulletin, vol. 117, no. 3, pp. 497–529.
• Bandura, A. 1997, Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control, W.H. Freeman, New York.
• Deci, E.L. & Ryan, R.M. 1985, Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior, Plenum, New York.
• Dweck, C.S. 2006, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Random House, New York.
• Locke, E.A. & Latham, G.P. 1990, A Theory of Goal Setting & Task Performance, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
• Lubans, D.R., Smith, J.J., Morgan, P.J., et al. 2016, ‘Review of Health-Related Physiological and Performance Markers in Youth’, Sports Medicine, vol. 46, no. 9, pp. 1309–1324.
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2017, National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, Australian Government, Canberra.
• Queensland Mental Health Commission 2020, Supporting Child and Youth Mental Health through Telehealth Services, Queensland Government, viewed 26 January 2025, https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/.

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