How do I motivate my 7 year old who is happy to get B's, when he is capable of A's?

Question

He would just rather get his work done quickly and have it "good enough" but not great, even though he is smart enough to get better results.

I am trying to find a way to have him want to do his best, and to see the benefits of it

Incentives did not work.

Answer 1

I asked myself the same question for many years.  My son is now 12 and I just about gave up the fight....until a few weeks ago.  He's in middle school now and they have an honor roll list every quarter.  The first three quarters of 6th grade he made the middle honor roll.  His dad and I got invited to an honors breakfast where he was honored for his hard work.  Now, he's like a maniac wanting to make the highest honor roll for the last quarter.  So hang in there, it may happen when you least expect it!

Answer 2

What is he doing after he gets it done quick? Play video games? Play with friends? Watch TV?

If he can't use his time to do what he wants to do once he finished "good enough" maybe he'll work on great.

Answer 3

He is 7 years old and getting B's. I think you should be praising him very much so. When he gets older, then you can stress him out about getting A's.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It great that he gets good grades it could always be worse.. but you could have consequences if he doesn't do better.  You could take away the TV, make he do more chores.. I wouldnt recommend really punishing him cuz he is doing good by getting B's,  but if he is capable of A's he should be getting A's..

Answer 5

My older brother was like that....in desparation, my mom had my grandmother bribe him. He got $10 for each A, $7 for B's and $5 for C's....he almost made more money than me that year!!!!

Answer 6

When I was in the younger grades on elementary school they used to give us a coupon for a free slice of pizza from Pizza Hut for every book we read.  We had to have our parents sign a form that we read the book and fill a short paper out about the book.

My point is, rewards work wonders.  Give him something to aim for rather than a shiny star or a big letter A on the top of the page.  Make a big deal about his work instead of seeing the B as a bad grade.  Make him see that it is his work and his reward, not something the teacher gives out and Dad and Mom either loves or hates it.

"A "B"!! Great job son.  You must feel so proud of yourself." "What happen on problem 3?  Ah well, now you know the answer and you can learn from the mistake."\

And remember, he is not a jack of all trades.  He may excel in some subjects and do average in others.

Answer 7

Yes, a reward system may be the motivation.

But be sure you don't place unrealistic expectations on your child. We all want our kids to be above average, but to force such expectations beyond their ability would be doing them a great disservice.

Answer 8

As a kid I was the same way, It was something I had to discover on my own. When I got to middle school I discovered the fun of learning and then I started working at my potential . I had to decide to do it myself.

Answer 9

be happy he does his work at all...and gets B's!!!! it could be worse.

Answer 10

Be happy and thankful. Nothing at all wrong with his marks. Children that age need to be just that ( CHILDREN ) and have a child's life. In Canada, there is a new law being passed ( which I support ) to ban homework in the elementary grades. Studies have found,  children that age need exercise which they get from playtime and not from sitting around after school. You will not gain anything form pushing him. What is more important is a bonding relationship which YOU will benefit more form in the later years.

( Connie Mom of 4 and 5th. Grade Teacher )

Answer 11

Whatever you do do not put pressure on him. Parents always do this for they know that their children can do better but sometimes this can be the worst thing tto do. You have said that he is only seven years old, he is still so young. Leave him with what he is doing just now as he is doing brilliantly and see how things go. You should be proud of what he has achieved so far.

Answer 12

My first grader who is "7" and considered top of her class.... still gets some middle grade markings verses the highest.

They are in elementary school. Most of their time is spent socializing while hes doing his work.

My 9 year olds teacher told me... first grade is for skills, second grade is for neatness.

By 3rd grade... things will change and they will look for both. I am surprised that they use grades at your sons school verses numbers for the lower grades.

Answer 13

he is 7. Sitting for longer than he has to probably doesn't even enter his thoughts. Give him time to mature

Answer 14

There is nothing wrong with a B.  What you teach him now with schooling and grades is going to stick with him for the rest of his life.  You should show him that you are proud, and that if he tried his best....he should be very proud as well.  Encourage him, and celebrate his b's and motivate him to always do his best and he will.  If you come down on him for them, or make him feel like it wasn't good enough he is bound to rebell against you in the future.