Psychologist and parenting educator Robin Grille recently held a seminar at Mumbulla School, Bega about intrinsic motivation, which in an interview with Bega District News he described as the most powerful driver for all people.

Aly Kate of Mumbulla School’s P&F said by listening to his talk the 62 people in the audience connected with intrinsic – meaning our core or inherent - motivation for parents and children.

“Children work harder, longer and more willingly when the task itself is as attractive as the outcome - and this is equally true for adults. Robin spoke around this ‘do what you love - or change how you do what you’re doing so you can love what you do’. From the feedback people also got how we can make tasks meaningful or pleasurable, say sweeping the floor to music or, as Robin spoke about, he does his BAS Activity Statements to ACDC!” she said. 

She said attendees also got a deeper understanding of motivation and what drives this in children. Children want to learn and care for their parents or special adults so by embracing togetherness, such as doing tasks together, it could become a fun process.

“It also makes a difference to use music, games or a family ritual or event to make shared chores a lot more fun,” Ms Kate said. 

“In short, when we as parents are in the flow, feeling motivated and enjoying what we are doing our children will see this as a model in which to feel their own intrinsic motivation.”

Ms Kate said self-motivation in children came from a place of flow, where the child's core needs to care, learn and love become main drivers. They feel creatively, productively and engage in things that will be healthy for their bodies.

“We discussed the school systems and how when a child is helped to do what they are naturally passionate about, and if this is embraced and nurtured in the school system, then that child is more than likely to wake up each day and feel genuinely motivated to be there,” she said.   

Ms Kate believed if her kids were motivated when approaching things in their lives it would resonate onto the wider community.

“The way I can show up and embrace motherhood will affect my family, this will affect my community and then our world,” she said.