#133 Rekindling Your Child's Motivation: an Interview with Ellen Braaten

What happens when bright, capable students seem completely unmotivated about their future? Dr. Ellen Braaten, author of Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less  joins us to unpack this phenomenon that can leave you feeling frustrated and worried. We talked about motivation - how it's not just about "trying harder" but rather a delicate interplay between initiation (the spark), persistence (the ability to continue), and intensity (the fuel that sustains effort).Dr. Braaten shared a framework for understanding what truly motivates young adults by examining the intersection of their aptitudes (natural abilities), pleasures (what they enjoy), and practice (what they willingly spend time doing).  Whether your student is currently struggling with motivation or you're planning ahead for their transition to college, this conversation offers invaluable insights for supporting their authentic development. Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information