Parenting is not easy. Although fulfilling, the role of parenting comes with a huge responsibility. As your child grows, you become their motivator, confidant, disciplinarian and teacher. They look to you for cues on how to handle life’s challenges. One of those hurdles is education. Depending on their level of interest, children may go on to get their bachelors degree, or decide high school is enough for them. Either way, inspiring kids to do their best in school can be challenging. I’ve teamed up with Office Depot® OfficeMax® to share some helpful tips on how to inspire your kids for greatness.
Inspiring Kids for Greatness
Stay positive. Yes, this task is a difficult one, but important. Celebrate accomplishments big or small. Positive reinforcement will do wonders for your childs’ ego. Whether they completed a book report, or brought a letter grade up one or two levels, children need to hear your praises. It can be something as simple as a few of the words I highlighted in the image above to an ice cream treat after school. Grownups are rewarded for a job well-done at the office with bonuses or raises, so why shouldn’t kids receive a reward too?
Encourage them. Kids have a need to feel independent. Give them a voice by encouraging them to open up and express their feelings on a particular topic of interest. If they’re younger, let them pick out their outfit for school or items to go in their lunch box.
Focus on strengths. When your child is feeling discouraged, remind them of their strengths. No one is perfect. We all have areas we can improve upon. Remind them how they were able tackle a difficult test last month, or learn a new technique with ease at dance class. This may just give them the supportive boost they needed to work through their problem.
Lead by example. Remind yourself that kids are always watching. It’s how they learn. If you struggle with time management, they may also learn that behavior and begin to turn homework in late, or be late to important family activities. Be mindful of your words too. Make an effort to use manners and have a respectful tone when speaking to them, so they will be motivated to do the same.
Have you ever wondered how your kids viewed you? These parents found out in this fun Office Depot® OfficeMax® video. Check it out below & share it too!
I did my own experiment by asking my boys 3 questions about parenting. Here’s what they had to say:
In what ways are you inspiring kids to be their best? Don’t forget to gear up for school with great deals at Office Depot® OfficeMax®!
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Breanna Danielle Pollard says
I SET A GOOD EXAMPLE AND WRITE ENCOURAGING NOTES.
Brian E. says
The strategy we use with our kids combines daily encouragement, open communication, and setting goals i.e. the effort / work needed toward achieving goals in life.
holly lawson says
I encourage them and stand by them in their decisions. I want to lead by example too.
Serge B says
I try to set a good example for them
Sand says
Lead by example and highlight those whose values you ve in.
AEKZ2 says
I inspire my children by telling them that I believe in them and they should believe in themselves, too. I try to be a good example.
MARIA SIMON says
TO ALWAYS TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
Elizabeth Owens says
I try to inspire them by my actions and volunteering. I think volunteering puts everything in perspective for them and make them appreciate what they have.
Sarah Mayer says
We give them positive reinforcement and let them follow their dreams
Jennifer Reed says
I try to inspire my kids to be their best by giving them a good foundation at home and lots of love and encouragement.
Candie L says
I encouraged them to do well in school. THank you
Sarah Cool says
I always tell them to do what they feel is right and to be courageous and go outside there comfort zone because that is how they will learn and grow
laurie says
I always try to help them and brag on them alot
tridingermckee says
I ensure my daughter knows she has a great support that believes in her. I let her know that no matter what, she can come to us for help and guidance. She knows she can go forward in life with no fear of making mistakes. Mistakes are to learn from and life is an adventure. I am proud of her and know she will make great choices and learn from the not-so-wonderful decisions.
Amy Deeter says
I tell my children to do their best, try their hardest, and support them
Stephanie Larison says
I show them by example to try their best. I always encourage them to try their hardest.
Janine h says
I try to be kind and generous
Robin says
I teach my son to do his best and give out rewards when goals are reached.
Liz Lew says
Positive reinforcement
Tabathia B says
We talk alot about being the type of person that they can be proud of and making the right choices
tat2gurlzrock says
Great tips! I think you should give them lot’s of encouragement and praise.
Danielle Magee says
I try to lead by example.
Lisa V. says
Try to teach and encourage through teaching moments.
Bridgett Wilbur says
I encourage them to do there best at all times.
skater425 says
It is a must to teach your kids to strive to be their very best. It does not mean they have to be the absolute best, but do their best. And also trust in God!
Susan Smith says
I inspire my kids by being a good role model for them.
Heather D says
I try to be supportive, encouraging and age-appropriate honest.
Romeo (@web_romeo) says
Children should always know or have some form of knowing that they have their family behind them – though, financial hardships have been come to accept by that of certain children.But reminding them to reach for the stars to get / do their very best really is an amazing thing that children should always grow up having beside them! And when, they realize that a child is starting to fall, the child has the knowing that their parents will do all they can to stop the fall!
John H. says
We recognize all accomplishments.
Gabrielly says
I encourage my niece every day. She is always trying new things at school.
Erica B. says
We root them on and let them be creative.
Jennifer H. says
We acknowledge proud moments and celebrate them.
Teresa Moore says
I encourage my daughter every day. She is trying new things at school this year and I let her know she can do these new things.
susan smoaks says
I show my kids what i believe will inspire them by living my life the best i can.
Elena says
I tell my kids I believe in them
Denise S says
I remind them to do their best every day and praise them when they do well.
ColleenMarie82 says
I inspire my kids to be their best by example.
Stephanie Liske says
I tell them constantly how amazing they are and how they can achieve anything they put their minds to.
hannah says
I agree with your list above, and would inspire my kids by encouraging them in what they’re good at.
Kristen says
With encouragement and by example.
Ann Fantom says
I inspire my daughter to do her best by giving her constant affirmation of what she is doing is having positive results.
Thomas Murphy says
I teach my son to be confident
Angella Lee says
I encourage them to be creative and I challenge them with a repurpose challenge I tell them these are the 3 items you have now tell me what you could create out of them
Jessica Cox says
I encourage my kids to all try hard and not to give up, even if they fall or mess up its ok you just learn and try even harder the next time
maleficent mcn says
I show them by being a good example
Seyma Shabbir says
I teach them by example and show them how much fun my work is and that getting an education means you have opportunities to do things you love and be paid well.
Dawn Ganey says
We have a slogan “the more you learn the more you earn”.
jeepingeos says
I encourage them with poditive reinforcement and praise.
Brittney House says
I encourage them not to get down on themselves when things don’t go their way.
Kyl Neusch says
tell them to try their best
kraftmaking says
I encourage my kids and always support them.
Justin Sparks says
By always doing the right thing and to stand up for others.
Shelley Zurek (@stillblondeaaty) says
Set the bar high. It’s hard to reach the higher goals but most kids need a high goal to achieve.
Brittany Marie Thompson says
I encourage my kids to do their best by always being their biggest cheerleader!
Jammie Morey says
I inspire my daughter by encouraging her and always being here for her. Letting her know as long as she never gives up on something she has not failed.
Ani says
I think I inspire them to be their best by reminding them that no one person is the best at every single thing & that they can enjoy their strengths & build on their weaknesses.
Rachel says
I inspire my kids to do their best by providing them with learning opportunities and giving them positive reinforcement.
Audrey T says
I use positive reinforcement.
Amy H. says
By focusing on encouraging her and positive reinforcement!
Lesley F says
By giving them encouragement
Lauren says
I tell them that they need to do their best, and that is all.
LauraJJ says
I think the biggest way is to encourage them. Help them to do their best and never give up.
Char says
I model good manners wherever I go! I also tell my kids to leave places cleaner than they found them. Thank you so much for this!
Faith Rogers says
Get out there & be good people!
amy pugmire says
My encouraging, complimenting and loving them the best I can!
Teryn LeFevre says
Keep them humble.
Tim LeFevre says
Giving them positive encouragement.
Mona LeFevre says
Need to demonstrate by example.
Tyler LeFevre says
No kids yet.
Elle says
I try to create a pressure free environment.
Mary Cloud says
I encourage them in everything they try and compliment them when they do good
heather s says
We give them positive reinforcement and let them follow their dreams
courtney b says
I try to do a lot of positive reinforsment or they will go nuts!
Dawn Monroe says
We let them know that we believe in them and are proud of them.
Will G says
I always encourage them to try their hardest.
Debbie F says
I get them to read as much as possible – this way they get to travel the world and meet all sorts of people. 🙂
thanks!
Jen H says
We try and let them try things out on their own and make sure they know its ok to fail and try again or try a different way!
beth shepherd says
I encourage them everyday to do their best.
Kristin McCall says
I inspire them by telling them to be their selfs and not to let anyone discourage them.
Tamra H says
Positive reinforcement and trying to install confidence that they can do anything they put the effort into!
jeremy mclaughlin says
By telling them to always try their best.
latanya t says
encouraging words, trying to be a good example, and let them know that it’s ok if you don’t get it right the first time, just keep trying
steve weber says
I shower them with compliments and encouragement.
Debbi Wellenstein says
I like to let the children play by themselves and work out their own problems.
doug gerard says
I show them the attic door & say ‘the big green monster will get you if you’re not good’!
Sandy Klocinski says
I always focused on solutions to problems rather than dwelling on setbacks, combined with having a positive outlook on life.
Cynthia C says
I heap on the praise when they do well and offer encouragement when they try their best.
Cindy Peterson says
Keep a relationship with your kids that is open, respectful and positive.
McKim says
I try to inspire my grandsons by being a good example.
melanieg says
I don’t pressure my kids but praise them when they do something positive!
Tara Darity says
I encourage my kids daily to do their best and never give up!!
Tiffany S says
By setting a good example for them.
Natalie says
I tell them to try their best and be happy with the journey, not the destination.
Ashley C says
I tell them all the time how they can be and do anything. I try to encourage them with praises and positive messages
CWH says
Always try to teach them the right ways and reward them for good behavior
Renee Walters says
I try to inspire my kids by setting a good example, and being kind. I stress that kindness is the most important character virtue anyone can posses.
@SensiblySara says
I inspire my kids to be their best by encouraging them in the things they do well. I try to lead by example but I want them to be better than I am.
Crystal Green says
I remind them that I fully believe in them even when they don’t believe in themselves. I also do my best to lead by example.
Cynthia says
I make sure they always do there best and never give up
Sarah Hall says
I try to be a good example for my daughters and tell them how wonderful the world can be if we only try our best. Also teaching them to love reading is a good example.
Brenda Brown says
I love this! Thankfully I was blessed with a child that gets upset when she CANT go to school.
Stephanie Grant says
I always encourage my son to go after his dreams. I make sure to let him know nothing is impossible as long as he tries his best and puts his heart into it.
Patricia says
I love to encourage my kids by giving them praises. I tell them that they are unique and they will have different abilities than the others. I encourage them to do their best with their talents.
Alicia says
I tell them that they can do anything they put their mind into. And to always strive for the best in life.
Jenna Hudson (@HudsonJenna) says
I inspire my kids by asking them what is something new you learned or tried today. Whether is was positive or not there is always room for improvement!
KV says
I tell them to try their best & never give up.
kim delatorre says
I inspire my kids to be great by encouraging them to do things they would not normally do. love this post!
Carissa Pelletier says
It’s a goal of mine to allow my kids to be confident and take leadership roles. Great tips!
Adrienne Gordon says
By not pressuring them for certain results.
Evangeline B says
By teaching how patience and hard work goes together. Setting a good example as they copy what their parents do.
Denise Hoyle says
I totally agree with your list above and think positive reinforcement is the key!
JC R says
I try to inspire my four kids by setting a good example. However, I want my kids to strive to be better than me, and I pull in inspiration wherever I can whether it is in public role models, teachers and family members.
Janet W. says
I try to inspire my daughters and grandsons to be their best by leading by example. I always work hard and don’t take shortcuts. I teach them to always try their best and practice makes perfect.