A booklet from The Parent Institute offered the following ways that parents can motivate their children:

1. Teach children to set goals for themselves.
2. Talk about schoolwork every day.
3. Recognize success.
4. Remind your child that he can.
5. Reward your child with your time.
6. Motivate your child to write more.
7. Catch your child being good.
8. Help your child learn to set long range goals.
9. Help your child learn to break large jobs into smaller, achievable tasks.
10. Show your appreciation.
11. Teach your child positive self-talk.
12. Encourage your child to take part in an after-school activity.
13. Help your child see the progress he or she is making.
14. Encourage your child's creative problem-solving.
15. Keep track of every book your child finishes to motivate reading.
16. Point out role models to your child.
17. Play "Beat the Clock" when your child dawdles.
18. Help your child compete against herself.
19. Teach your child to create positive mental pictures of success.
20. List your child's successes and your own.
21. Listen to the messages you pass on to your child.
22. Teach your child to "save dessert for last."
23. Share your own excitement with your child.
24. Help your child see something he can be proud of – even in defeat.
25. Praise your child.

That list was first published in 1991, but it's held up well. Children will try and succeed when and where they believe in themselves.