The Motivation Mindset Workbook
Helping Teens and Tweens Discover What They Love to Do
Ellen Braaten and Hillary Bush
HardcoverPaperbacke-bookprint + e-book
Hardcover
pre-orderDecember 8, 2025
ISBN 9781462559268
Price: $38.00 139 Pages
Size: 8" x 10.5"
Paperback
pre-orderDecember 8, 2025
ISBN 9781462555581
Price: $24.95139 Pages
Size: 8" x 10.5"
Digital professor copy available on VitalSource once published ?What are my strengths? What makes me happy? What do I wish the adults in my life understood? These simple yet challenging questions are especially crucial for the many tweens and teens today who seem to have lost interest in everything (except possibly their phones!). Harvard psychologist Ellen Braaten’s Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less offered an in-depth look at motivational difficulties and how to overcome them. Now Dr. Braaten and Dr. Hillary Bush present The Motivation Mindset Workbook , bursting with practical tools and activities to unleash kids’ excitement and engagement with the world. Parents can use this book to help their child discover what they love to do and vault over obstacles holding them back. Teachers and therapists will find innovative, science-based ways to light the spark of motivation with individuals or groups. Note: The e-book edition offers fillable, downloadable versions of the book’s 82 worksheets.
“The authors approach motivation from different perspectives—all research based—and provide practical activities for a range of ages. I appreciate the emphasis on encouraging teens and tweens to identify their own interests, strengths, and values, rather than solely trying to meet others’ expectations. I recommend this book for parents, caregivers, and any young person who could use help overcoming barriers to success.”
—Hilary Adams, PhD, Clinical Director, Therapy Lab Kids
“This indispensable resource gives teens and the tools to discover what motivates them (and what doesn’t), what their goals are, and the action steps they can take to move toward those goals. The exercises are quick and easy and offer a range of options for kids to choose the best fit. Most important, the book helps teens build self-awareness and a sense of control over the direction of their lives. Highly recommended!”
—Richard Guare, PhD, BCBA-D, author of Smart but Scattered
“As the mother of two bright and curious kids, it’s always frustrating when they don’t seem to want to do anything. This book has a ton of suggestions to help all of us work through what’s making things difficult. I really appreciate that there are exercises and conversation ideas that will speak to both of my children, who have very different personalities. Anything that increases my options for helping my kids get more motivated is great!”
—Krista L., Boston
Table of Contents
Introduction: For Parents and Professionals1. What’s the Point?
2. Who Am I?
3. What Makes Me Happy?
4. How Can I Get More of What Makes Me Happy?
5. Pulling It All Together
6. A Few Other Things That Can Get in the Way of Motivation
Resources
Index
About the Authors
Ellen Braaten, PhD, is Founding Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized as an expert in the field of pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. She is author or coauthor of many books and articles for parents and professionals.- Author's website
- All titles by Ellen Braaten
- Sign up for emails on upcoming titles by Ellen Braaten (with special discounts)!
Hillary Bush, PhD, is a psychologist in private practice in Boston, where she provides neuropsychological assessments and therapy for children, teens, and young adults. Dr. Bush also serves as a part-time faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has published articles across many psychology topics for both scientific audiences and the general public.