Begin with key questions:

1. What is my child really doing that makes me say he is not motivated?

2. Is there a reason to be concerned in light of some condition (depression) or events (bullying) I do not know about?

3. Are there pockets or specific areas of poor motivation (e.g., academic work) that might require a specific intervention to help?

4. Have we as parents fostered some expectations for activities in the home that relate to participation and responsibilities—not onerous activities but just some responsibilities?

5. Am I modeling some of the key behaviors I wish to foster?

6. What competencies, skills, and knowledge are we systematically fostering in the child?