Rewarding Good Grades

I always find that sking the child what they would like as reward helps with motivation(within in reason). I have a 15 year old and it seems to work. This year since he has worked very hard to keep his grades up we are giving him the birthday of his dreams....a paintball party.

I think rewarding children with money is acceptable as long as you tell them something like, "You worked hard to EARN those good grades, so we are going to PAY you as if you had a job." If you think of school (you said it yourself) as a career, then that will help them to see the value of having a job when they are older. By the same token, when there are failing grades, something should be taken away until the grades improve. My 10 y/o son has a t-shirt that says, "If homework is WORK, then when do I get PAID?" lol

C. M.

A.,

Next time you guys decide to go out for dinner your son can choose the place. Explain to him that because he is doing so well that it is his choice.

A.,

I agree with all of the posts. Money is a good reward, but as a middle school teacher, I can tell you that if you let your child choose the reward, you will see them work hard for it. Of course, make it a reward that is within your means. I encourage my parents to put the reward in writing and stick it on the fridge.

Congratulations on the good grades! I hope this helps!

When I was growing up we were rewarded with a big old banana split if we got straight A's, I loved it!

I to am a proud mother of three... My two older children have had some issues in school and now they are both AB honor roll students. We treat them to a really nice resturant. I will take my daughter and my soon to be husband will take my son. They feel center of attention this way and they love it. I feel that kids should be rewarded in diffrent ways. Whatever it is that you know they like. Hope that helps... :)

I would say ask him what he wants for doing so good in school!! and if he wants money give him money let him decide i think it will it will make him feel good about what a great job hes doing if he decides!! i'm so glad hes doing such a good job now!! H.

Hi A.,
As i was reading the other responses all i read was money money money.... If it works for you then continue.. but have you ever done something special with the child's reward brought home from school.. Have them decorate a frame and hang it in a special place in the house.. in their room or hallways so whenever someone comes over its displayed. Have fun with it. That banana split sounded good too.. ;)

You could throw him a surprise party with a "we are so proud of your accomplishments" cake. invite the whole family!!!!! Tell him that as long as he tries his best that is all that matters. Some kids are slower to get school, but once they get it they soar!! Money is a good reward but praise and encouragement should always be number one.

Rather than just giving him money ask him what he would like or if you know what he is really into, and that would make his day do that. My 7 year old son is also an honor roll student and has been since kindergarten, so trying to reward him every quarter become a challenge. so we paid attention to what he liked or seem to be into at the time and rewarded him with that. At this age their interest change so often it just became easier to reward because it seemed from year to year he was into something else. My absolute favorite is to take your child to lunch just you him and your husband and listen to him i have three children also and alot of times our oldest get saddled with helping with their siblings and we do not pay as much attention to them as we should so if you make a date with just him i think he would be over the moon and it will say to him daddy and i appreciate all your hard work that you do in school and at home with your brother and sister, remember we all just want to be validated even children. i hope this helps.

i see you have more children, so give them each your undivided attention with a lunch out, just the two(or three) of you!!!
My daughters LOVE IT! When they have a great report card, especially if the grades go UP, I will take them one at a time out for a lunch at a decent restaurant( applebees,perkins,etc) They are just kids they think its fancy and sooosooosoo special! Congrats to you and the kids!

I have two boys, 12 and 9, who always do well in school. While a lot of their friend's parents give money for good grades, we choose to do something as a family to celebrate. Like go bowling, go out to dinner or the movies. It is their special day and we all spend time together celebrating their acheivements. They are so proud when we tell the waiter or waitress why we are all out together. We just believe that money is such an easy thing, where as putting in that time as a family really shows how proud you are of their hard work. By the way, how great for your son!! Have fun!

My Son is six in kinder , He has come home with good grades a couple of times , I personally don't like to give them money , but that is my opinion . We surprise him taking him to his favorite place ( wannado city , dave & Busters , Children meuseum ,his all time favorite MONKEY JUNGLE )We try to choose activities that the whole family would enjoy !!!!!