Winter can make everything feel a little harder. For neurodivergent kids, shorter days, less sunshine and changes in routines can drain their motivation. Parents and educators often find themselves battling a unique mix of challenges during these colder months. How do you keep neurodivergent kids motivated when even getting started on simple tasks seems impossible? Let’s dive into practical strategies that can help.
If you’d like to watch the full webinar on keeping neurodivergent kids motivated you can see it here or visit our YouTube channel:
What is motivation and why does it matter?
Motivation is the internal or external drive that pushes us to take action. Whether it’s cleaning a room or solving a math problem, it’s what gets us going, keeps us moving and helps us give our best effort.
For kids, motivation generally falls into two categories:
- Intrinsic motivation: When they do something because they enjoy it or find it meaningful.
- Extrinsic motivation: When they’re driven by external rewards, like praise or screen time.
Neurodivergent kids, such as those with ADHD or autism, may approach motivation differently. They’re often more sensitive to the “why” behind a task. If it doesn’t feel relevant or rewarding, they may struggle to even get started.
Understanding the type of motivation your child responds to—be it internal or external—can make all the difference.
Why winter challenges motivation
Winter brings its own set of hurdles. The lack of sunlight, cold weather and limited time outdoors can deplete energy levels. Add to that the academic demands of the school year and it’s no surprise motivation takes a dive.
For neurodivergent kids, sensory overload, anxiety and/or executive functioning challenges can intensify during this time. Tasks that already felt difficult may now seem impossible. It’s like trying to run a marathon with a drained battery.
Understanding how winter conditions impact our learner’s energy and mood helps us figure out how to recharge their “inner batteries.”
The role of executive functioning in motivation
Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s management system. They help with planning, organizing, focusing and following through on tasks. These skills drive the “how” behind getting things done, while motivation drives the “why.”
When executive functioning lags, even a simple task like starting homework can feel overwhelming. Kids might know why they should do something but struggle to figure out how to begin or stay on track.
For example, think about trying to clean the house without a plan. Where do you start? What do you do first? It’s easy to just give up. That’s how executive dysfunction feel for many neurodivergent kids.
Breaking through: Strategies to boost motivation
Thankfully, there are ways to help kids push past the winter slump and stay motivated. These strategies are simple but effective, especially when tailored to a child’s unique needs.
1. Help them get started
The hardest part is often just beginning. Make tasks feel manageable by focusing on small steps:
- Break it down: Instead of “clean your room,” ask them to start by picking up items from the floor.
- Use a checklist: Visual lists or step-by-step instructions make big tasks feel more achievable.
- Warm-up tasks: Begin with something simple like gathering supplies for homework or setting out clothes for the next day.
- Set a timer: Try the “just two minutes” rule—encourage them to work on a task for two minutes. Once started, they might want to keep going.
- Try “first, then” language: “First you finish your reading assignment, then you can play outside.”
2. Help them stick with it
Starting is one thing; sticking with it is another. Persistence is a key part of motivation.
- Encourage small wins: Celebrate progress along the way, whether it’s completing one math problem or cleaning half their desk.
- Phrases that build resilience: Instead of “good job,” say, “You’ve worked hard on this, and it’s paying off!”
- Gamify tasks: Make chores or homework into games. Use timers, friendly competitions or reward points.
- Productive struggle: Let them wrestle with a problem. It teaches persistence, but step in if they get completely stuck.
- Be a role model: Show your own struggles and successes. Talk about how you get through boring or hard tasks.
3. Keep their focus strong
Neurodivergent kids need extra support to sustain attention and manage their energy.
- Brain breaks: Encourage short breaks to stretch, move or breathe deeply. Physical activity boosts focus and refreshes the mind.
- Focus-friendly environment: Minimize distractions by clearing clutter, lowering lights or using noise-canceling headphones.
- Offer choices: Kids feel more engaged when they have a say. Let them choose whether to type or handwrite an essay or decide in what order they’ll complete tasks.
- Patience and realistic goals: Focus on progress, not perfection. Building stamina takes time.
4. Recharge Their Batteries
Every child’s energy level fluctuates. Teach them to recognize when they need a recharge and how to do it.
- Check in on “battery levels”: Ask, “Are you at 50% today? What can help you get to 75%?”
- Meet the basics: Ensure they get enough sleep, eat balanced meals and limit screen time before bed. Small changes here can make a massive impact.
- Match tasks to energy levels: Save more challenging activities for times when their energy is higher.
The power of relevance
To truly motivate kids, they have to see why a task matters. Help them connect their current efforts to their long-term goals. For example, if they hate math, explain how understanding it can help them achieve something they’re passionate about, like designing video games or managing money.
When kids find relevance, motivation becomes a little more natural.
Final Thoughts
Winter can be tough for neurodivergent kids, but with the right tools, you can make it manageable. Motivation isn’t about forcing kids to “just do it.” It’s about understanding their challenges, breaking apart tasks, and encouraging small wins.
Remember, every step they take—no matter how small—is movement in the right direction. With patience and support, you’ll help them cross the finish line, one step at a time.
Need more strategies? Learnfully is here to support your journey. Together, we can help every child thrive, even through the winter slump.
To schedule a consult for targeted executive functioning therapy click here or call/text 888-459-6450.
