“Come on, Johnny! P-L-E-A-S-E!?” … {PAUSE} … {repeat 3-10 times} … “I’ll give you a ______ if you do it!” Many parents reward children’s good behavior or use bribes to entice children to cooperate. Such rewards can easily turn into bribes. Bribes are gifts or payments which manipulate or influence someone to take a particular action. Rewards pay children for behaving in a desirable way. Most parents bribe their children because they want to distract the child and get the child to buy into what the parent wants the child to do. Most parents... (Read More ...)

Julie’s son usually throws tantrums or runs off when she grocery shops.  She wants him to behave and stay with her. To entice him to do this, she tells him, “If you stay with me and we can get through the store without you throwing a fit, you can pick out a candy bar at the checkout.”  All through the store, Julie reminds him, “Remember, if you are a good boy you’ll get to pick out a candy bar.” Why Do Parents Use Bribes and Rewards For Children? You’ve probably been tempted, like most parents, to reward your children’s good behavior or use bribes to entice your children... (Read More ...)