Monthly Discussion: Negotiating the Non-Negotiables: Cultivating Motivation and Responsibility in Kids

Finding motivation can be challenging for adults, let alone for youngsters who come from hard beginnings in life. Consequences and criticism tend to damage relationships and inevitably lose their impact. Goals, behaviour contracts, and rewards seem to fade just as quickly. So what works best? At this discussion, Educational Consultant Rick Smith and Psychologist Ann Bridgewater will highlight strategies which are most effective in leading children and teens to making better decisions, using their time more effectively, and managing the intense emotions of pre-adolescence and adolescence. This discussion will stay grounded in Science of Social Connection that emphasises the importance a caring interpersonal relationship as a prerequisite for child and adolescent well-being. Key points will include:

• Why motivational issues may be particularly challenging for some kids with trauma, attachment issues, prenatal exposure to substances, or other special needs
• The importance of “mattering” for developing independence and maturity.
• The short and long-term effects of positive, neutral and negative comments on learning outcomes.
• How to give children and teens feedback without demotivating them for trying.      

Rick Smith, Ed.D., is an educational consultant who uses a broad range of psychological interventions to help demotivated teens gain greater control of their lives. Rick specialises in working with youngsters to manage anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties.  Rick has certification as a parenting-coordinator for families in conflict or facing life transitions. Rick has over 20 years experience and holds a Masters (USA) and a Doctorate from The University of Bath, UK. He has published a reading strategies book (STOP reading), an iOS App, and is completing a doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) with specialisations in the childhood OCD spectrum and adolescent anxiety disorders.

Ann Bridgewater, MSc Clin Psych, holds a degree in Occupational Therapy from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After practicing Occupational Therapy for over 15 years specializing in pediatrics, she subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Ann has worked extensively with children, adolescents and their families in hospital, private clinical and school settings. She has experience with a wide range of developmental difficulties. Ann works with families to address their children’s challenges, and provides psycho-educational assessments for children and adolescents.

This event is open to all parents and caregivers, waiting and prospective parents, adult adoptees, professionals and students.

• Please arrive to check-in at 12:20; meeting is from 12:30 to 2:00 pm
• Seating is limited, registration and payment are required in advance.
• FREE FOR MEMBERS
• 95HKD for non-members or lapsed members (or click here to join/renew your membership and attend this event for FREE).
• You are welcome to bring your own lunch and beverage.

Participants may opt to receive a Certificate of Attendance which will note your participation and the topic of this meeting. We hope this may support an adoption or foster application by demonstrating an ongoing commitment to learning about the needs of parenting a child through adoption or fostering. The certificate will cost HKD30 and be emailed directly to you after you attend the meeting.

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