There are many ideas about how to rear children.Some adopt what their parents used on them,others get advice from friends and some read books about parenting.No one has all the answers.In my book there are three styles:Authoritarian,permissive and democratic.Authoritarian parents don't explain why they want their children to do things.If a child questions a rule or command,the parent might answer"Because I said so".As a result,children usually do not learn to think for themselves and understand why the parent is requiring certain behaviors.Authoritative parents tend to focus on bad behavior rather than positive and children are often punished and scolded harshly for not following rules.Permissive parents give children as many choices as possible.They tend to accept a child's behavior,good or bad and make no comment about it whether it is beneficial or not.Children tend to be aggressive and act out.My style is more of democratic.I give choices based on a child's ability,teaching them to be responsible for themselves and to think about the consequences of their actions.I provide clear,reasonable expectations and explanations as to how I expect them to behave in a particular manner.But I do it in a warm and loving manner.It's also important for parents to let the child see that you practice what you preach.
Building a loving bond,giving quality time and the right push I think are enough motivations for your kids to excel not only in academics,but also in their extra-curricular activities.