10 Phrases to Inspire Kids Who Don't Like Studying
Getting kids to enjoy studying can feel like an uphill task, especially when they see it as boring, difficult, or pointless. But the right words—delivered with patience and encouragement—can shift their mindset over time. Below are 10 powerful phrases to inspire reluctant learners, along with detailed explanations of why they work and how to use them effectively.
"Every small effort adds up—you’re smarter than you think!" Kids often feel overwhelmed when facing big tasks, leading them to shut down. This phrase breaks learning into smaller, manageable pieces and reassures them that progress happens gradually. When they’re frustrated, remind them that even 10 minutes of focused study is a win. Over time, those small efforts build confidence and knowledge.
2/10
"Mistakes are proof you’re trying—keep going!" Many kids fear failure, thinking mistakes mean they’re "bad" at a subject. This phrase reframes errors as a natural (and necessary) part of learning. When they get an answer wrong, stay positive: "Great attempt! Now we know what to work on next." This reduces anxiety and encourages persistence.
3/10
"What’s one thing you’re curious about today?" Forcing kids to study often backfires, but curiosity drives intrinsic motivation. This question shifts focus from "I have to learn this" to "I wonder how this works?" Before studying, ask them to pick one interesting fact, question, or topic. It makes learning feel like exploration, not a chore.
4/10
"You don’t have to love it—just give it your best for 20 minutes." Kids resist tasks that feel endless. A short, focused time frame feels less intimidating and helps build discipline. Set a timer and challenge them to concentrate just until it beeps. Often, once they start, they’ll keep going longer than expected!
"Imagine how proud you’ll feel when you understand this!" Kids thrive on emotional rewards. Visualizing success helps them push through challenges. When they’re struggling, say: "Remember how good it felt when you finally mastered [previous topic]? This will feel the same way!"
6/10
"Even experts started as beginners—you’re on your way!" Kids compare themselves to others and feel discouraged. This reminds them that everyone starts somewhere. Share stories of famous scientists, athletes, or artists who failed before succeeding. It normalizes the struggle.
7/10
"Let’s make this fun! How can we turn studying into a game?" Playful learning reduces stress and boosts engagement. Turn flashcards into a quiz show, use apps like Kahoot!, or reward correct answers with small prizes. The more interactive, the better!
8/10
"Your brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets!" This "growth mindset" phrase teaches kids that intelligence isn’t fixed—effort leads to improvement. When they say "I’m just not good at this," respond: "Not yet! But the more you practice, the better you’ll get."
"I believe in you, even when it feels hard." Kids need emotional security. Knowing someone supports them unconditionally builds resilience. Say this during meltdowns. Sometimes, they just need to hear that their effort matters more than perfection.
10/10
"What’s your ‘why’? How will this help you in the future?" If kids don’t see the point, they won’t care. Linking studies to their dreams makes effort meaningful. Ask: "How could math help in your dream job?" or "How will reading well help you later?" Help them connect the dots.
Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com.
!["Every small effort adds up—you’re smarter than you think!"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084135_2.png ""Every small effort adds up—you’re smarter than you think!"")
!["Mistakes are proof you’re trying—keep going!"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084143_3.png ""Mistakes are proof you’re trying—keep going!"")
!["What’s one thing you’re curious about today?"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084152_4.png ""What’s one thing you’re curious about today?"")
!["You don’t have to love it—just give it your best for 20 minutes."](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084159_5.png ""You don’t have to love it—just give it your best for 20 minutes."")
!["Imagine how proud you’ll feel when you understand this!"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084206_6.png ""Imagine how proud you’ll feel when you understand this!"")
!["Even experts started as beginners—you’re on your way!"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084212_7.png ""Even experts started as beginners—you’re on your way!"")
!["Let’s make this fun! How can we turn studying into a game?"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084216_8.png ""Let’s make this fun! How can we turn studying into a game?"")
!["Your brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets!"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084221_9.png ""Your brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets!"")
!["I believe in you, even when it feels hard."](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084225_10.png ""I believe in you, even when it feels hard."")
!["What’s your ‘why’? How will this help you in the future?"](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/07/20250707084230_11.png ""What’s your ‘why’? How will this help you in the future?"")
