On a local radio station yesterday morning the topic of whether it's a good idea to pay kids for good grades, winning a sports game, ie: football, baseball, soccer, etc., and other things is a good idea or not.

Growing up my brother and I were never paid for good grades. Our mother expected us to get good grades. If we didn't we got in trouble. We didn't have all the things that kids have now in their rooms so having to go to our room was boring (which is the point to have to think about what you did). We were punished. We were spanked (which I'm against) and sent to our rooms if we got a bad grade or did something wrong We were never rewarded with money for doing well at school or activities.

I don't think it's a good idea to give kids money for good grades or for winning games.... I think it sets the wrong example. I think it needs to be something the child wants to achieve to feel good about themself, not because he or she will get money.

One of the callers apparently pays their children $100 when they win a game. One of the dj's pointed out that if the parent sets that kind of standard when and where does it end? How much does the parent have to continue to increase the amount to? Because the child will expect more and more.

No amount of yelling seemed to make *me* give a rat's behind - maybe cash would have helped. Darn sure couldn't have hurt.

i got paid for good grades through the later part of my school career. it didn't set any wrong ideas or make me feel like it's what i was working for, simply because i didn't get too much money....i mean it didn't motivate me to do a homework assignment by remembering that i'd get a few dollars at the end of the semester if i did well.

My son's grandfather gives him money for every A and B that he gets. Other than that he doesn't get money for good grade from my husband or I.

He also doesn't get a standard allowance. If we are in the store and he wants a little toy or something and he's been good and not given me too many attitudes lately, then sometimes I will get him something. Sometimes being the operative word. He doesn't get something everytime we go to the store and he knows that if he begs me for something he won't be getting anything.

I think it's a bad idea to pay kids for winning at sports.

As long as that's not the only reason they're doing well and it's kind of like a bonus, then I don't see a problem with it. I never have gotten paid for my good grades.

For doing chores, yeah, i see no problem with kids earning a few bucks.

Getting paid for good grades? No.

Although my nephew did get a Playstation 3 this summer for getting all A's on his last reprt card.

Spoiled brat...

;)

Sure, why not? After several semesters of just sliding by with average grades, my parents offered a dollar amount for each A I would get, and it would increase for each other A I got. It was good motivation to do the extra work that I otherwise would not have done.

It makes a lot more sense than giving a kid money for merely existing (allowances).

And the idea of giving a kid money for winning games is a great way to give them the wrong idea of what's important in life.

My parents gave me money for A's on my report card, and for doing extra work around the house. I had certain jobs that I didn't get paid for too, like washing dishes & dusting.

$$$ for chores and extra work around the house, yes. Good grades and sports? No. You are supposed to get good grades or try your best to get the best grades possible. As for sports, why pay a child for doing "good" when sports is supposed to instill team work, discipline and fun for a child? Where is the fun if the child loses and you tell him/her "you get no money this time". What message are you sending a child that everything has $$$ connected to it?

Good grades maybe at the end of the year if I get good grades my mom pays me. But sports no way!!! Sports is just for fun! A weekly allowance is ok as well. Kids need some money. Plus with this they could learn how to save $$$$$

I don't think i ever got paid if i got good grades. I did get paid cleaning up the house. I only got $5 or 10 doallors.

Paid for grades? Hell no. One, because bribery should not be used to get kids to learn. Two, what if your child has a learning disorder? They get nothing because they never get good grades despite it not being their fault? That's ridiculous. Chores, sure. But grades, no. That's just a natural responsibility we all have to accept with no pay...it will hopefully pay off in the future.

And being paid for sports....those parents are what is wrong with America. :bash:

$$$ for chores and extra work around the house, yes. Good grades and sports? No. You are supposed to get good grades or try your best to get the best grades possible. As for sports, why pay a child for doing "good" when sports is supposed to instill team work, discipline and fun for a child? Where is the fun if the child loses and you tell him/her "you get no money this time". What message are you sending a child that everything has $$$ connected to it?

:nod: I agree.

Paid for grades? Hell no. One, because bribery should not be used to get kids to learn. Two, what if your child has a learning disorder? They get nothing because they never get good grades despite it not being their fault? That's ridiculous. Chores, sure. But grades, no. That's just a natural responsibility we all have to accept with no pay...it will hopefully pay off in the future.

And being paid for sports....those parents are what is wrong with America. :bash:

:nod: I agree.