Difference between Bribes and Rewards

Apparently there is a line of difference between Bribing and Rewarding.

Bribing happens during a “pressure situation” – where the child suddenly throws a tantrum and the need to calm them down is mandatory – the parent is looking to change their behaviour immediately. And that’s when the parent offers them something to change that behaviour. Its a power play of sorts and the child definitely has the upper hand. The child also learns that “such behaviour” in “such circumstances” let’s them have their way. Unfortunately, this is common practice in India.

On the other hand, there are rewards. Rewarding is somewhat similar to the workplace scenario we come from. We work for a month, complete tasks and at the end we get a deserving salary. It boosts our confidence and we are ready for a gruelling next month.

“James Lehman recommends that parents come up with a list of rewards with their child ahead of time”. This way, the child will know what is at stake at the end, and may even control their behaviour.

Read the entire article here: http://www.empoweringparents.com/Bribing-Kids-Vs-Rewarding-Kids-Whats-The-Difference.php#ixzz2cL0S3anK