Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less How to Rekindle Your Child's Motivation

“He’s so smart, but he’s no longer interested in school--or any 'offline' activities.”
“She used to love sports, but now she just mopes around.”
“My kid has turned into such a slacker!”

Sound familiar? If you're wondering how your bright, motivated little kid became such an unmotivated adolescent, you're not alone. Fortunately, help is at hand! In this compassionate guide, psychologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten explains that kids who have lost the will to do anything (other than play video games) need more than simple encouragement or the “right” school, teacher, or coach to get back on track. Instead, Dr. Braaten helps you understand the myriad biological, psychological, and social factors that affect motivation, and get to know your own child's unique strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits better. Gain vital tools for tackling the motivational problems that are so pervasive today--and build a plan to boost your child’s confidence and engagement in life.

Ellen Braaten, PhD, is Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and Visiting Professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. She has been affiliated with MGH and HMS since 1998. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized for her expertise in pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. Her research and numerous publications focus on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, gender and psychopathology, intelligence, and assessment. She has published numerous books for professionals and parents, including Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less and Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up.
 

Introduction
I. Why Some Kids Couldn't Care Less
1. Why Doesn’t My Bright Kid Seem to Care about Anything?
2. The Parenting APP for Motivating Kids: Aptitude, Pleasure, and Practice
3. Aptitude: What Are Your Child's Strengths?
4. Pleasure: What Does Your Child Enjoy?
5. Practice: What Does Your Child Persist At?
II. Knowing Your Child—and Yourself
6. Why Understanding Your Child's Unique Qualities Is Important
7. How Your Expectations Can Get in the Way
8. Adjusting Your Parenting Style to Fit the Child You Have
III. Keys to Helping Your Child Care More
9. Set Goals That You Can Both Get Behind
10. Stay Flexible to Keep Your Child Motivated
IV. When You Need Extra Help
11. When to Worry and What to Do
12. Resources
Index