Rewards or Bribes?

Many parents resort to desperate measures when trying to placate their screaming child, especially in public arenas. How many times have parents said, “If you behave yourself, I’ll buy you a toy!"

A recent Slate article addresses why many parents have guilty consciences about rewarding their children for simple tasks; the reward and bribe line is blurry.

 

But Kazdin and Rotella, authors and proponents of the reward system, argue that rewards are a form of positive reinforcement and can come in forms other than material goods. Verbal praise and attention is effective, and if good behavior comes with a reward and explanation, then it is hard to view merely as a cheap bribe.

 

They provide a good guide to making praise effective. Of course, all of this looks promising and sounds easy, but executing these tactics in the midst of a tantrum proves to be the true testing point.