We all know them – kids with ADHD who are bright, energetic, and creative – yet struggle in school. They don’t enjoy learning. They prefer easier work. They give up easily. By all accounts, they lack motivation.

But why? Is it due to a bad attitude? Is it laziness? No, it’s in the wiring!

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What can we do to help real motivation take root?

Real motivation – motivation from within the individual – thrives in social environments that encourage positive relationships, competence, and autonomy.

Develop positive relationships with kids with ADHD. Empathize with their struggles while focusing on their strengths. Take an interest in their interests. Give them opportunities to shine. Honor them for what they do well.

Help kids with ADHD become more successful. Teach kids with ADHD what they need to know – academic skills, social skills, executive skills. Help them see errors as guidelines for what to learn next rather than reasons to feel shame. Give them challenges and then use feedback to guide them toward successfully meeting those challenges.

Respect the need of kids with ADHD to choose their own paths. Find out what they value. Listen to what they want. Empower them by providing choices. Trust them to make their own decisions (and to learn from their own mistakes).

If we provide a nurturing, manageable, trusting environment, motivation will grow.

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我們都會認識一些患有專注不足及過度活躍症(ADHD)的孩子,他們聰明、有活力並別具創意,但卻在學業上遇到困難重重。他們不喜歡學習,寧願做簡單的工作,又容易放棄。總的而言,就是缺乏動力。

為甚麼會這樣呢? 是因為他們態度不好? 還是過於懶惰?不,一切問題都出在大腦迴路上!

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 如何能讓動機真正植根?

真正的動機——來自個人内心的動機 ,會在鼓勵正向社交、個人能力及個人自主的社會環境中生根發展。關於如何建立孩子的個人動機,以下有一些建議︰

與孩子建立良好的關係︰關注ADHD孩子力有不逮的地方,同時也重視他們的優點與長處。 了解他們的興趣,給予發光發熱的機會,並讚許他們做得好的地方。

幫助孩子變得更成功︰讓ADHD孩子了解其需要掌握的事項——學術能力、社交技巧及執行能力,並從錯誤中學習,不以犯錯為恥。給他們挑戰,回饋意見,引導他們成功應對種種不同的挑戰。

尊重孩子選擇的路︰了解這些孩子重視些什麽,聆聽他們的願望,賦予他們選擇的權利,相信他們做出的決定,並讓他們從自己的錯誤中學習。

只要提供一個具備信賴、能夠掌握及利於成長的環境,孩子的動機便可望提升。