Frequently, key information can be described in just one word. For this month’s message, it is especially so. The word is MOTIVATION. Easy to spell and say, the word stands for much that is terribly difficult to put in place. But we know that motivation is what makes the difficult a possibility, and the impossible a challenge.

For new Kumon parents and students, motivation is what keeps you going when the work keeps mounting. It takes motivation to keep the momentum in place; it keeps the student achieving when the newness of the material has worn away and the hard work is left.

But hard work is ahead. Remember it is not sufficient just to achieve grade level in Kumon; it is important to achieve beyond grade level. How do you do that? How do you juggle schoolwork, social events, family matters, sports, entertainment, and sometimes crisis and still do your Kumon work?

The answer is simple! The answer is also hard and challenging. The answer is setting GOALS. Even more important than setting goals is achieving goals. In fact, achieving goals is a sure method of motivating others and ourselves!

First, let’s discuss how you as a parent are involved. You are in fact the key element. You must be proactive in the process; you must initiate the discussion with your youngster. You must clearly indicate to your youngster that schoolwork and Kumon
are of great importance; they represent the means of personal happiness and success.

Youngsters are quick to realize if parents feel school and Kumon are a bother or nuisance; if parents just simply tolerate school and learning as a necessary evil. In contrast, your presence and active interest in what is going on tells your youngster that you care and are willing to work along with them. It is the strongest motivation you can give.

Setting goals with your youngster takes this another step closer to achieving grade level work and beyond. If you and your youngster discuss the work, your youngster will know you are truly interested. Setting special time to do school work and Kumon worksheets adds more value to the meaning of learning. Maintaining that both have a priority over other activities is another excellent way to motivate your youngster to advance beyond grade level.

Even more powerful is when you and your child set goals for school. Using the Kumon practice of setting goals becomes twice as powerful when you apply it to schoolwork as well. Crucial here is setting practical goals that your child can reach, and enjoy reaching.

No better source of advice is your Kumon Instructor. Talk with the Instructor, ask advice in setting goals, and work closely with the suggestions the Instructor makes. In doing so, you maximize the role which the Kumon method and Instructor can play in your student’s learning.

Young people learn early what is important in life. They learn by watching adults. What you and I do as parents, rather than what we say, means a world of difference in our youngster’s activities. They value what we value; they treat lightly what we treat lightly. What motivates them is frequently what motivates us.

I learned early as a teacher and as a parent — Someone is always watching you. And it’s usually your kids.