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Many school districts are hard-pressed for funds in this day of economic hardships. Some extracurricular activities have been canceled, or are no longer funded by the schools. Trips to and from competitive games and contests are largely paid for by the students themselves, or their parents who often form caravans to transport the teams.

Students should not expect monetary rewards from their schools for a job well done. They should, instead, be congratulated, praised, and given a well-deserved 'thumbs up' when they display actions and grades that are above average. Such students need to know that their parents and teachers are proud of them and appreciate the extra effort they have displayed.

They need to feel the self esteem and the self confidence that comes with earning good grades. This will serve to boost their desire to try to excel, a characteristic they can carry with them into adulthood.

Too many people no longer take pride in a job well done. They are putting in their hours for nothing more than the paycheck. That is not enough. Their wages, of course, are most important; but unless they want to try harder to do a better job, they will never feel the satisfaction of knowing they are doing their best. Employers and company executives can spot the person who wants to excel; who comes up with new and innovative ideas; who shows interest in the product or service in question.

I think back to a young girl who once delivered our daily paper. I asked her if she would put it on my porch instead of throwing it in the yard due to the fact that I have mobility problems. Her answer took me off guard when she replied, "If you want the paper on the porch, you will have to give me a tip first!"

I explained to her that tips were freely given when first earned, not given in anticipation of perhaps receiving better service. Needless to say, the paper never made it to my porch.

The same principle is true with good grades and test scores. The student needs to earn the satisfaction of a greater esteem by first doing a better job. The monetary rewards will come later when he is an adult.

Could this attitude be a result of paying a child for something he or she is expected to do as a part of the family, or as a bribe to try to develop a characteristic in the child that he or she should develop on their own?

I once heard a grandfather telling his grandson, "You bring home all A's on your report card, and I will give you ten dollars." This is not the incentive a child needs! He needs to know that he is expected to do his best, not for grandfather, but for himself!

A child should be encouraged to earn his own money, but not through bribery. He can mow the neighbor's lawn, and if the job is done satisfactorily, then he has earned the money he is paid. A girl can babysit, but she should never expect to be paid in advance. Only after the fact and then only if it was done in the proper manner.

You are not helping a child by giving him something for nothing. The real world will not be that generous, and after all, aren't we supposed to be preparing him to live in a real world? Give him a chance to know his own self-worth. Give him a chance to feel the pride in knowing he has done his best. Give him a chance to shine in the midst of a competitive world. He deserves that, you know.

Learn more about this author, Shirley Love.
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