Recently, I started kicking around the idea of incentivizing my daughter’s learning by offering money for grades. (I haven’t actually told them yet that this is a thing I’m considering, so… shhhhh!)
Anyway, I’m currently (and frequently) debating the pros and cons of this idea.
My own mother said…
“The good grade should be its own reward.” She was a teacher in a school for fifteen years and then a teacher in every other way for the rest of her life. I believed her because she knew her stuff, but I didn’t always like it. I made the argument back then that I should be getting paid for my work. It’s the same argument my daughters pose today, and I can’t say I disagree.
There’s pros and cons on both sides
On the topic of money for grades, financial guru and radio personality Dave Ramsay, in the 2015 The Dallas Morning News article entitled, “Dave Ramsey: Paying for grades teaches kids work = money,”
“Work creates money, and that’s an important thing to teach your kids.” Ramsey goes on to say what’s most important is teaching kids what to do with that money once earned.
On the other hand…
According to Amy McCready’s article “Should you pay for grades?” Paying for grades can produce an effect nearly opposite of what’s intended.
“Unfortunately, well-known research by Edward L. Deci and others concluded that students who were paid for specific activities exhibited a decrease in intrinsic motivation to perform those activities.”
Ultimately it’s a personal decision
Paying money for grades can be a touchy subject, but there’s no one perfect way to grow great kids. There’s no one official guidebook, nor is there an answer key. All we can do is try our best to figure it out as we go, so check back often for more on the pursuit of perfect-ish parenting and raising financial capable kids. Comments, tips and suggestions on what works for family are always welcome.