There are a lot of different reasons kids become apathetic. They may be low energy kids. They may be out of shape or overweight. Some kids are afraid to take risks. Kids can become apathetic when they don’t have anything meaningful to do. They can get stuck in a routine of boredom (with, it’s close equivalent, playing the same video game over and over) or they can come to rely on others to come up with their entertainment. Some kids just shut down after a series of frustrations or failure.

Whatever the origin, kids without a passion can be a challenge to motivate. Here are some things to try.

Get to know your kid. If you are going to get them motivated, you will need to know what they care about. What is their favorite movie? What kind of music do they listen to? Where would they go on a trip if money was no object? What do your kid’s friends like to do? What do they plan on doing after high school? You are going to need this information when you start trying to plan possible activities.

Foster areas of personal interest. Motivation works best when the interest comes from inside your kid. Everyone has personal interests; everyone. It is just harder to identify in some people. Keep your eyes open for any signs of interest in a topic, task or issue. The idea is to start exposing them to experiences they might find interesting. If they know you are on the hunt and are going to make them do something, you may find them working with you to figure out what is worth trying.

Expand on existing interests. No task or activity is too insignificant or ridiculous. Start where their interests lie. Show an interest. Ask a lot of questions. Look for qualities that can generalize to other tasks or can translate into potential adult employment.

Break the mold. Introduce some fun in their life. See if there is something they want to do but thought you would say “no.” Find a way to make it happen. If they don’t have any ideas, arrange an adventure. Do something unexpected. Try to shake up their ho-hum, predictable life. You never know when you might stumble on something that will spark their interest. Do they like graphic novels (i.e., modern day comic books)? Find the dates of the annual Middle Tennessee Anime Convention. Take them to hear a local band that plays their kind of music. Arrange for a flying lesson. Try to find something that will challenge them. Think outside the box. Have fun with it.

Try team work. Consider working together on a project. Ideally something that doesn’t have to be done perfectly or quickly. You will be able to carry the enthusiasm and motivation until your kid catches the wave.

Require them to develop a skill. You are trying to find a way to have your kid engage in an enjoyable task that challenges them; one that requires effort and persistence to develop real-world competence. Look for activities that lead to acquiring information, developing a skill, or gaining experience. Watching TV or playing video games doesn’t count.

Ignore their crappy attitude. Your kid may be pessimistic about things turning out well. They may be jaded and cynical about joy and enthusiasm. They may even have a secret desire they keep locked away for fear that someone will think they aren’t cool. Don’t let their attitude turn you away from your mission. Don’t let their huffing and puffing discourage you.

You might be surprised to find that just getting your kid moving toward pursuing any interest tends to expand the range of their interests, generating enthusiasm for many other areas of their life.

One last thing, not all motivation is purely psychological. Of all the things mentioned, these three suggestions may have the biggest impact.

Require daily exercise. Being active and eating well results in more physical and mental energy, good health, and a better mood. Get your kid up and doing something active. That alone may open them up to recognizing and actively pursuing natural interests.

Schedule a physical. Sometimes a psychological problem is actually an undiagnosed medical issue. Before you decide that your kid is a slug, make sure they aren’t suffering from anemia, thyroid disease, or any of a number of potential medical conditions.

Rule out depression. Apathy has a lot in common with depression; lack of interest in things, no energy, isolation. The difference is that depression also includes sadness, worthlessness or guilt, fatigue, anxiety or nervousness, changes in eating and sleeping habits (i.e., either too much or too little), tearfulness, thoughts of death or suicide. If you think the culprit may be depression, be sure to consult with a mental health professional.

The information presented in this column is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a psychological, behavioral or medical condition.