In an interesting article, the Southern-California newspaper Press Enterprise, takes a look at the controversy surrounding the concept of parents rewarding good grades with cash, shopping trips or other perks. On the one hand, some parents are strong proponents of the idea, stating that it's merely another form of positive reinforcement and encouragement. These parents generally acknowledge that the financial incentive is an effective way to ensure that their children are maximizing their studies to the best of their abilities.
On the other hand, critics say the satisfaction of a job well done should be reward enough. Motivation from within -- not in response to outside influences -- better trains children for adulthood. In his book Punished by Rewards: The Trouble With Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise and Other Bribes, parenting expert Alfie Kohn said rewards may work in the short term, but ultimately turn play into work and get kids hooked on approval.
What do YOU think?
About MetroDad
I'm a French-named, speed-reading, former public policy analyst now trapped in the body of a Asian-American fashion executive. I've ridden elephants in Sri Lanka, imbibed snake venom in China, skiied the Italian Dolomites, eaten barbecue in Pakistan, travelled to every state except North Dakota, visited 28 out of 32 major league ballparks, worshipped at the altar of Graceland 5 times and have shut down most of the nightclubs in Paris. That being said, I still get lost every time I go through the Lincoln Tunnel.
It's safe to say that we'd probably get along if you can truly appreciate the real beauty in...a good Peking duck, Sunday's NYT crossword, nice manners, Scrabble, Law & Order, spontaneous travel, Otoro, Jim Jarmusch, Tabasco sauce, Morrissey, Haruki Murakami, Peets coffee, Radiohead, listening to baseball games on the radio, Thievery Corporation, X-Men comics, fresh powder, Southern BBQ, Christopher Hitchens, bloomin' onions, mid-century design, the warmth of a good scotch, a great day spent fishing where you didn't catch a damn thing...
On a related note, I'd like to believe that I probably have absolutely nothing in common with another human being who really loves any of the following: pro bass fishing on tv, NASCAR, low carb Cabernet, Kathey Griffin, Microsoft, the Olsens, Applebees, Jessica Simpson, romance novels, tofu bacon, Pamela Anderson, ballet, "Survivor" or HUMMERs. Similarly, I could also never be friends with someone who mixes up "they're", "there", and "their". I will give you a smidge of credit if you know the difference between "if" and "whether". But if you leave any participles dangling, we're breaking up.
In conclusion, let me just say...
Lex clavatoris designati rescindenda est.
(The Designater Hitter Rule has got to go)
