Discovering Each Child’s Summer Motivation
There’s something special about that last day of school.
The backpacks come home stuffed with crumpled art, old snacks, and summer dreams. As I picked up all three of our kids, I paused for a photo with my boys in front of the school. Just one click—but behind that image, a whole season was about to unfold.
Later that afternoon, as the house settled and the summer vibe started to kick in, I felt a pull to get intentional. This summer, I didn’t just want to wing it. I wanted to give each of our kids something to aim for—a reason to grow, not just go.
So I sat with each of them individually and asked the same question:
“What’s one goal you’d like to reach this summer—something exciting, realistic, and totally doable before school starts again?”
Our eldest knew exactly what he wanted.
“I want to make $100.”
I grinned. This kid has always had a learner’s heart, a little entrepreneur brewing under the surface.
So I made him an offer.
“What if I help you earn it—and in return, you help me with Cool Travel Mom this summer?”
Specifically, I invited him to be my behind-the-scenes partner for the Power Word of the Day series. He’d help edit, set up content, give creative input, and learn the process of how things run. He negotiated his rate (down to the per-minute level, of course—very on-brand for him). We shook on it.
But before we dove in, I gave him a reality check:
“Business is business. That means I’ll be honest with you. I’ll give feedback. I’ll expect effort. And I’ll always encourage you, but not sugarcoat the process. This is how we learn and grow.”
So far… It’s been a learning curve—for both of us. But the growth has been real.
He’s discovering ownership, responsibility, and the creative side of storytelling. And I get to watch my son step into a new level of confidence while we build something meaningful together.
Now, our middle child…Totally different spark. He thrives when he’s with his dad—especially when there’s building involved. Hand him a tool and a task, and he’s in heaven. Whether they’re fixing drawers or working on small projects, he feels fulfilled when he sees something finished. His motivation is clear: “If I help and do it well, I’ll get a reward.” Not just the prize—but the pride.
And our youngest…He's full of curiosity and heart. His drive comes from being included, from hearing “You’re part of this too.” He loves knowing they have responsibilities—putting away laundry, taking out the trash—and they take pride in doing their part.
Every child is different. And that’s the beauty of parenting.
Motivation isn’t about pushing—it’s about discovering. It's about noticing what makes their eyes light up, what challenges them, and what reminds them they matter.
This summer, we’re not just planning trips or checking off bucket lists—we’re learning what drives our kids, one moment at a time.
Whether it’s earning $100, building with Dad, or helping out with joy, our home is full of mini missions with big meaning.
And that..That’s what makes this summer unforgettable.
3 Tips to Discover What Motivates Your Kids This Summer
1.Ask a Simple, Open-Ended Question
“What’s one goal you’d love to reach before school starts again?”Keep it realistic but fun. Let them dream within reach.
2. Match Their Motivation Style
Some kids are driven by earning or rewards
Others want quality time or to feel included
Some just want to build and accomplish somethingTune in to how they feel motivated—not just what they want.
3. Turn Their Goal Into a Mini MissionWhether it’s helping with content, building furniture, or doing small tasks—let them own a part of it. Add feedback, encouragement, and a bit of responsibility so they grow from it too.
Remember: You don’t have to plan a fancy summer for it to be meaningful. Sometimes the best memories are made in the small, intentional things—like a question, a project, or just working side-by-side.
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