Let's face it, it is difficult to be constantly motivated. For one, not all students have a support system by their side encouraging them on from day one. So, make sure that you provide your child with the support system they need to stay motivated each day. Whether that is a weekly phone call from you to let them know you care and to ask them about their studies, or a daily one. The support they need may be financial. Sometimes your college student may lose motivation because they are worried about money, and thus focus on that rather than their studies. You can help your college student stay motivated by pitching in for groceries, or spending money for the weekends, or housing, or if you are not in a situation to do that, helping them find a job that will work around their class schedule and homework demands. Or, help them learn to save early so that money is not a problem once they are in college.

Other times your student will have the support system, but even the most focused and motivated students can feel like they want to quit and just be done with school when the pressure starts to build. If you are being supportive, it is time to take a step back and ask yourself how involved you are being. When a student feels hounded by their parent's and huge pressure to excel, it is often easier to just give up rather than disappoint. So, make sure your college student stays motivated by not hovering. Let them know that they do not have to be perfect as long as they give it their best effort. And, also let them know that if there is an area they struggle with that you will do what you can to help them: whether that is pay for a tutor, help them yourself, or direct them to someone that can.

Sometimes, lack of motivation can be a physical or emotional issue, often lack of motivation can be caused by poor health, by excessive eating, drinking, drug use, or other health issues. So, do not think it is all psychological. You can help your college student stay motivated by making sure they eat right, get in their exercise, and do not party too much on the weekends. Sometimes a simple inquiry about the way they eat will help direct them back to a better lifestyle. Other times it takes buying their groceries, fixing their meals for them, or giving them money to eat somewhere better for you than McDonalds. Talk to your student about the effects of too much drinking and drug use. You may tell them that you understand that partying is "in" in college, but then ask them if they really want a few excessive parties to stand in the way of their future. Sometimes putting things into perspective will help get them re-motivated. If you live close enough to your child's college, have them home for dinner one night a week so that you can evaluate their health and lifestyle and encourage (but not force) them to eat right, get enough sleep, and lay off the alcohol and drugs.

Depression and anxiety can also cause a lack of motivation. Talk to your college student, and if they need help, get it for them.

Sometimes kids get into college with high hopes, but then the social aspects take over, they stay out late, chase boys, or girls, and eat like crap. So, an occasional reminder from you about why they are there can go a long way. You may want to use phrases like, "Are you working hard, or hardly working?" Just to give them a little self check about how motivated they are.

The number one way to help your college student stay motivated is let them learn from their own mistakes, but support them and encourage better behavior, maybe even reward it.