Should You Pay Cash for Good Grades?

on October 13, 2008 at 9:19 AM

This has got to be up there with some of the world's most pressing questions: What is true the meaning of life? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? And now, what the Tween Titans group is discussing: Do you think it's right to give cash and/or gifts for good grades? Controversial, you bet. But some schools are even doing it. For moms, there are only two clear ways to view this.

One: It's your job to get good grades. Period. Exhibit A: "No, I don't reward my son for good grades. I think it is because my parents did not give me money when I brought home good grades. He gets good grades because that is what he is supposed to do in school. Now, on the other hand, if he gets bad grades his things get taken away. So he then has to bring up his grades and then he can get them again. Case in point, last year he was bringing home A's and B's. Then one quarter he brought home a C. Well, that was it for me. I took away his Xbox 360 until the next grading period, and he had to bring me anything higher than a C. Well, nine weeks later he had all A's and he has been bringing them home ever since," says dnivmxjj04.

Or two, Whatever works. Exhibit B: "My daughter (a jock who played 3 varsity sports but always said C's were the best she could do) desperately wanted her navel pierced before she was 18. I said no way, and she kept saying "make me a deal," so finally I told her if she got all A's and B's for 2 years (she was 14) I'd do it --and guess what happened?! So she got a hole in her belly button and I discovered another academic in my house," says azfostermom.

So after you figure out the way to world peace, please tell us, what do you think about this issue?

Filed Under: discipline, education, grades, recession guide

Comments (17)

PeaceBstill07

on Oct 13, 2008 at 4:52 PM

I had a conversation with a veteran teacher who is retiring next year and she supports the idea. She has taught in several school systems in her 30 + years as an educator and has seen the idea work. She says for the children it is like going to work and seeing the paycheck. They feel validated and a since of accomplishment.

Instead of being on a street corner risking their lives or droping out, they actually work to their potential and can feel some since independence also. They are proud to tell their friends they have to cut their hours of socialization short so they can study and be rested for school the next day.

The graduation rates are very poor in many places some thing has to be done to keep our children interested in education. They may not all go to college, but what ever trade they take up would basically be doing the same thing. Many go to trade schools and earn money at the trade while still studying. Same with college often times you receive a reimbursement check during each quarter if it was not all needed for your education that quarter.

That money is often used to get back and forth to classes (bus passes, or gas) and with prices the way they are it is a big help. Some have children and need providers, but don't qualify for assistance with that and that money helps.

If they combine the incentive with economic education classes these young people could be financial contributors in society before graduation from high school all the way into adulthood.

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koalagirl78

on Oct 14, 2008 at 12:32 PM

I agree with previous poster! I pointed that out to my sister when she said she shouldn't have to reward her daughter for doing good in school. We go to work and what do we get? A paycheck. If we didn't get that then would you still go to work? Me personally no..Not only could I not afford to as it is an hour away, I have many other things i could gladly do with my time.

Well kids don't see the long time benifit of going to school. They are forced to go and do homework and do what they are told, but really they view it as what is in it for them? at this point nothing. Some kids love school, others don't.

My sister started doing a reward program of a cheap necklace/bracelet.keychain she got to pick each week when she did good. She did start improving. It doesn't have to be something huge or outright money. For younger kids maybe staying up an extra half hour on weekends or doing something THEY want to do or renting a movie they want to see. older kids you can make it longer periods like if they do good for a month they get a pc game or something to that level...something that they want and can strive for. but being realistic at the same time.

princesspippi

on Oct 14, 2008 at 5:08 PM

After my 7 year old ended her year with exceptional progress I let her pick out a new game for herself. This year with my 10 year old I decided that since its his last year in grade school I wanted to motivate him to finish strong. I told him that if he made honor roll all 3 times (either A or A/B) that I would do something BIG for him. I'm not talking go to the movies big, I'm talking new skateboard, a visit to a theme park or something like that. I told him that after he makes the first 2 then we will discuss the reward.

When he gets a little discouraged or feels like not doing the work I just remind him of our deal and his goal and it seems to spark him. I'm totally not above the bribery.

Tisha1115

on Oct 14, 2008 at 8:19 PM

I statred doing just that last year. It has improved her grades and her enthusiasm for finishing her work. I let her pick out a couple things she wants and when she gets the grades she gets to pick one out.

jsparrowlvr

on Oct 14, 2008 at 9:32 PM

We have been doing this with my daughter for the last five years. It has been a wonderful motivator and her grades went from C's thru F's to A's and B's and an occasional C. Ten dollars for A's, Five dollars for B's, nothing for C's and if she gets a D or an F, zero money...even if she gets A's and B's in other classes. Makes her work harder and take more pride in her work. Bash on. Works for us.

4chickhen

on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:36 PM

well my husband gets paid for working..the harder he works the more he will get paid. isn't school preparation for the real world??

Scorpio359

on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:06 AM

We never got paid because when I went to school that was unheard of. If you pay a child that seems like bribery. Why not teach self respect and feeling good about themselves. You can reward them by taking them out to a movie or a small toy but mainly by praising them and giving them good self-esteem.

ZoeBeth

on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM

I always gave my child money for grades. In the schools around here, the teacher almost did nothing, so I figured if he got good grades, he definitely did it himself because the teachers did not teach. They put the lessons on the board and then gave no help, but gave the tests at the end.

kelli70

on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:50 AM

My son has been a tag student since the third grade. Last year he entered high school. His grade sank from A's and B's to C's and D's. This was not acceptable. We tried grounding him and lecturing nothing seemed to work he just didn't turn in his assignments. This year we started paying him for A's and B's and he is doing great. He is currently a sophmore in a college prep math class, and his teacher submitted him for a full ride scholarship to Portland State University. His high school also selected him to be a foreign student embassadore. He would be going to New Zeland and Australia and would receive high school and college credit. So, having said all of that I strongly believe in paying your child for good grades. We have told our son school is his job, I guess we should follow through with a paycheck. Look at the results we got. We are so proud.

edwinasmom

on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:53 AM

As a PP said, self-esteem and pride in my work was something my family strove to make sure I had. They reminded me that the best reward for working hard was an education so I didn't look as dumb as (insert random hick from our small town here.) With good grades I'd get to go to college and they were right, I was the first in my family to attend.

Shopping, cash, or rewards are practical though because college is a long, LONG way off for young children who often only think about today or what they'll be doing this weekend. Giving them something to work for in a time table that is more immediate, definately has it's rewards.

However, I do disagree with school systems doing this sort of thing. The little money our schools have should be going to provide smaller classrooms, better equipment and the tools our kids need to learn. I can't imagine how a school district can justify cutting things like band and gym (as so many schools have) but then turn around and offer cash prizes to kids. *shakes head*