Most parents and child care providers have resorted to bribery, at least on occasion, to secure good behavior from a child. That's when an adult says, "If you behave in class and don't cause any disruption, then I'll take you for an ice cream afterward." So, is there anything wrong with bribing a child to secure good behavior? The answer is mixed.
Whether it is a promise of a sweet treat, new toy, or special activity, adults commonly commit a type of bribery with youngsters to get a child to behave. Often, it's a common fallback plan on over-tired parents and youngsters who have too much energy! And, truth be told, bribery works...at least in the short term. But is the act of bribery helping or hurting a child in the long-term?
Child experts typically encourage parents to stop using bribes as a reward for behavior that should be encouraged without cajoling. Bribery encourages kids to focus on what they can get, and then they get into a habit of always expecting something for behaving "right." Kids can then become overly demanding and actually coerce parents to give them more rewards, causing the whole bribe issue to backfire. (Ever heard a child tell a parent that they won't be good unless they "get" something?)
While bribes can be okay--understanding that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures where kids and behavior are involved--child experts urge adults to try a different tact to get the same result. Opt instead for a discipline-type technique. An example could be that if kids help you and stay by your side at the clothing store, then there will be enough time in the schedule to stop by the neighborhood park for 30 minutes. In other words, if time permits based on how quickly you can enter, shop and leave a store, then the family schedule will allow for some fun free-time! And you haven't used the "good behavior" threat to accomplish it!
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Whether it is a promise of a sweet treat, new toy, or special activity, adults commonly commit a type of bribery with youngsters to get a child to behave. Often, it's a common fallback plan on over-tired parents and youngsters who have too much energy! And, truth be told, bribery works...at least in the short term. But is the act of bribery helping or hurting a child in the long-term?
Child experts typically encourage parents to stop using bribes as a reward for behavior that should be encouraged without cajoling. Bribery encourages kids to focus on what they can get, and then they get into a habit of always expecting something for behaving "right." Kids can then become overly demanding and actually coerce parents to give them more rewards, causing the whole bribe issue to backfire. (Ever heard a child tell a parent that they won't be good unless they "get" something?)
While bribes can be okay--understanding that sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures where kids and behavior are involved--child experts urge adults to try a different tact to get the same result. Opt instead for a discipline-type technique. An example could be that if kids help you and stay by your side at the clothing store, then there will be enough time in the schedule to stop by the neighborhood park for 30 minutes. In other words, if time permits based on how quickly you can enter, shop and leave a store, then the family schedule will allow for some fun free-time! And you haven't used the "good behavior" threat to accomplish it!
