In order to see the necessity of work, developing skills, and learning, we need to help young people begin to visualize their place in the world.  The most obvious thing to explore here is the actual living space they would like to have someday.

So the questions of the day: "What kind of place would you like to live when you are _____(age)?"  Where will it be?"  "Will it be big, so you have lots of room, or small, so it is easy to take care of?"

Again, if they have no answers, simply say "Think about it."  "Let me know if you come up with something."

In order for people to be motivated, they need to have some internal map of there dreams and purpose in life.  Research indicates that we have the most meaning in life when we are pursuing goals that challenge us without overwhelming us.  I have found that we can begin this process quite early with children with "Who do you want to be?" questions.

I am very careful to not ask "What do you want to be?", because that, in our culture tends to only get someone looking at careers, and that is actually one of the last things I prefer to discuss.

So the questions of the day:  What kind of person do you intend to be when you are _____(age)?  Describe that to me.   What will I see when I look at you?  What will other people say about you?

If they have no answer, then ask them to think about it, and allow them time.  It isn't important that they know the answer, just that they consider the questions.