The Self-Driven Child: Increasing Motivation

Description

Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone who works with kids was concerned about the escalating levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems in children, teens, and young adults.

The level of concern has escalated dramatically in the last two years related to the uncertainties, disruptions, and losses associated with the pandemic.  And for every child or adolescent who is crippled by anxiety or underperforming because of stress, there is another failing to thrive for lack of true intrinsic motivation.

In this course, join Dr. Stixrud & Ned Johnson as they discuss a crucial link between high stress and low motivation, namely a low sense of control.  A healthy sense of control is associated with virtually everything we want for kids, including good health, a positive mood, freedom from excessive anxiety, self-motivation, and academic and career success.  Unfortunately, students’ sense of control or autonomy decreases every year they are in school.

Dr. Stixrud & Ned will discuss the neuropsychological underpinnings of a sense of control, and he will present research and clinical experience related to the benefits children and teens experience when adults foster autonomy.  They will also discuss ways in which mental health professionals can support the development of a sense of control or autonomy in their clients.

Many of the approaches to be presented are discussed in the books Dr. Stixrud has written with Ned Johnson, including the national bestseller “The Self-Driven Child” and their new book, “What Do You Say? Talking with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Healthy Home”.  Topics will include fostering a strong sense of control to lower stress and build self-motivation; developing high stress tolerance; empowering kids to make their own decisions; the wisdom of parents being “consultants” to their kids; the benefits kids gain when parents are a non-anxious presence; and strategies for supporting kids who struggle in school without compromising their autonomy.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Explain why a sense of control underlies positive mental health
2. Describe the four aspects of life that make it stressful
3. Explain why autonomy is so important for motivation.
4. Discuss how stress and insufficient sleep undermine a sense of control
5. Discuss how technology can support or undermine a sense of control