How To Get The Best Education Possible: Tip #90

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all children were self-motivated to do their best school work? In reality, some children need extra incentives to get them moving. Many times teacher approval, parental praise, grades, stickers, or a simple congratulations works.  Most parents wants their children to be independent and successful.  Lately there is a lot of controversy on how to achieve that goal.  Should we never be satisfied with our children's accomplishments or should we be building self-esteem.  That brings us to tip #90.

Tip #90: Have a reasonable balance and expectations for your child's grades and accomplishments. Reward your child, but don't bribe him/her.

Never put down or dismiss a child when they have achieved a milestone in their school work. Sometimes it may take material rewards for improving grades, but the reward should be small and inexpensive. Reward your child, but don't bribe the child. Bribing a child to do schoolwork by offering money for each good grade can make a child associate learning with rewards instead of giving the child a sense of pride and understanding of the full value of his or her efforts. When you discuss the rewards for achieving academic goals give your child choices.

Examples of things to do to reward your child for good grades:

1. Have the family go to a favorite restaurant or go get ice cream sundae.

2. Positive reinforcement is more motivating than any kind of punishment. Sometimes it can be as simple as a pat on the back.

3. Offer to have a friend over to spend the night.

4. Go bowling, skating, or play favorite games.

5. A trip the the local library or art museum.

6. Time together at the community park or playground.

7. Take a picture of the child with their ribbon or report card and put it on the web for family and friends to see or send it to grandparent in the mail.

8. Take a day off and go to the next field trip.

If you don't believe in rewards, be sure to let the child know you are aware and proud of their hard work.