Ever wondered why some students do not perform up to expectations despite having certain basic things for academic success at their disposal? One of the major reasons for this may be lack of proper stimulation or motivation. Since they say Charity begins at home, this piece shall be targeted towards the motivating and stimulating ventures that can be done at the home front to complement the efforts of the school. Many things can be done by parents to increase their wards’ academic performance through motivation. These propositions include:

• keeping a good parent-ward relationship where the child is free to express his/her concerns and fears;
• making the child realize that his/her education is the paramount thing in life;
• being firm and fair in disciplining the child. Bear it in mind that children need reasonable discipline to be independent and responsible;
• teaching the child to be responsible at home. Chores and expectations for proper behaviour are ways of developing self-discipline that will be transferred to school-related learning;
• taking time to do fun things with the child and listening when the child speaks especially about school;
• doing family activities that encourage learning such as visiting the library, museums or even parks;
• providing opportunities for successes. Children who feel successful are more likely to try new things;
• talking to the child about his/her interests and likes;
• helping the child identify things he/she enjoys and what he/she does well i.e capitalizing on their interests to build learning experiences;
• Showing real interest in the child's school activities and career interest as well as how school is important to the career goals;
• praising the child for trying hard and for being successful. It is important for a child to be appreciated when he/she is doing well; and,
• balancing praise and punishment while helping the child.

Here you have them. Let us motivate and stimulate our children to bring out the best in them. Remember that no child is dull or incapable of learning; some just need a little more of attention and motivation from us. May we all reap the fruits of our labour on our children. Amen.

Elder Olagoke, A. J.
School Registrar