When Motivation Is Missing: Encouraging Our Kids Through the Changing Seasons

Faith, Family, and Finding Encouragement in the Everyday Moments

There is something about the changing seasons that makes everything feel a little slower. The mornings are darker, the air is cooler, and those warm, cozy blankets seem a little harder to leave behind. As moms, we know the struggle! Getting ourselves motivated can be challenging enough, but getting our kids up, moving, and ready to tackle the day? Well, that can sometimes feel like an accomplishment all on its own!

Whether it's getting ready for school, finishing homework, attending practice, or simply helping around the house, there are days when our kids just aren't feeling motivated. And if I’m not being truthful, there are days when I’m not either. But perhaps those unmotivated days are opportunities to teach our children something important: We don't always have to feel motivated to keep moving forward.

Teaching Our Kids to Keep Going

As parents, we naturally want our children to succeed. We want them to work hard, develop responsibility, and learn perseverance. But how do we encourage them when their motivation seems to have disappeared Sometimes, it starts with small things.

1. Start the morning with encouragement, not frustration.

It's easy to become frustrated when we've reminded our children three times to get out of bed! But what if we started their day with a little encouragement instead? A simple "You've got this!" or "Let's make today a good day!" can help set a positive tone. Proverbs 16:24 (KJV) reminds us:

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Our words matter. Even when our children don't seem to be listening, the encouragement we offer can stay with them.

2. Remind them that effort matters more than perfection.

Not every day will be a great day. Not every assignment will receive an A, and not every practice will be their best. That's okay! What matters is teaching our children to show up, put forth effort, and keep trying. Galatians 6:9 (KJV) says:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

What a wonderful reminder that perseverance matters, even when we cannot immediately see the results.

3. Create little things to look forward to.

As the weather gets cooler and daylight becomes shorter, our routines can start to feel repetitive. Sometimes our children simply need something to look forward to! Maybe it's a favorite breakfast on Friday mornings, a family movie night, hot chocolate after school, or spending a few minutes together talking about their day. These moments don't have to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes the smallest traditions create the biggest memories.

4. Recognize when they need rest instead of another reminder.

This one can be difficult for us as parents. Sometimes what looks like laziness is actually exhaustion, discouragement, or feeling overwhelmed. Our children are balancing school, friendships, extracurricular activities, expectations, and emotions they may not always know how to explain. Before assuming they just don't want to do something, perhaps we should ask, "Is something making today harder for you?" Even Jesus recognized the importance of rest. In Mark 6:31 (KJV), He told His disciples:

"Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while."

Rest isn't a failure. Sometimes it's exactly what we need to regain our strength.

Motivation Comes and Goes, but Faith Remains

One of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is that they don't have to face difficult days alone. There will be mornings when they don't want to get out of bed, days when school feels overwhelming, and seasons when things don't go as planned. And those are the moments when faith can become their foundation.

Philippians 4:13 (KJV) reminds us:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

We can teach our children to pray before a difficult test, ask God for patience when they're frustrated, and trust Him when they feel discouraged. Not because faith makes every challenge disappear, but because faith reminds us that we don't have to face those challenges without hope.

And Moms, This Reminder Is for Us Too

Maybe you've spent the morning encouraging everyone else, making sure lunches are packed, homework is finished, and everyone gets where they need to be. By the time you've accomplished all of that, your own motivation is running low. Remember, you're allowed to have those days too. You don't have to create the perfect morning routine, have all the answers, or handle every difficult moment perfectly. Sometimes parenting is simply about showing up, offering grace, and trying again tomorrow. And isn't that a beautiful lesson for our children to see?

A Little Encouragement for the Week Ahead

As we settle into the cooler days of fall, let's remember that motivation doesn't always come naturally. Sometimes we have to create it through encouragement, consistency, prayer, and a little extra patience. So tomorrow morning, when the alarm goes off and everyone wants just five more minutes under those warm blankets, remember:

Small steps still move us forward. Kind words still make a difference. And God's strength is still enough for today.

From our family to yours, may this season bring a little more patience, a little more encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to grow together.

With faith and love,

~ Angie 

RaeMarie & Me

Faith, Family, Style

Let's Talk, Moms!

What helps motivate your kids on those chilly mornings when nobody wants to get moving?

Do you have a special morning routine, favorite Bible verse, or little family tradition that makes the day easier?

We'd love to hear your ideas! After all, motherhood is a journey, and sometimes the best encouragement comes from sharing our experiences with one another. ❤️