Intrinsic Motivation
What is intrinsic motivation? Intrinsic motivation is behavior that is driven by internal rewards.
Why is this important for communication? A child who is intrinsically motivated to communicate will interact with others because he wants to. We want children to feel joy, desire, fun, and connection through communication. Intrinsic motivation is a result of pursuing connection over compliance.
How can you foster intrinsic motivation in your child?
Create a language-rich environment: Surround your child with books, games, and activities that encourage communication. Make storytelling, reading aloud, and discussing daily experiences a regular part of your routine.
Follow their lead: Pay attention to your child’s interests and use these as opportunities to encourage communication. Whether it’s dinosaurs, trucks, or animals, engage in conversations related to what fascinates them.
Encourage autonomy: Give your child choices in conversations. Let them decide what topics to discuss or how to express themselves. This empowers them and enhances their sense of ownership over their communication.
Be a supportive listener: Show genuine interest and respond positively to your child’s attempts to communicate. Encourage them to express their ideas and feelings without fear of judgment or correction.
Celebrate effort rather than outcome: Instead of focusing solely on outcomes or correctness, praise your child’s effort and enthusiasm in communicating. Let them know you appreciate their attempts and the progress they are making.