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Motivation is important for success in school. But, what kind of motivation should be given? The failing relationship between schools, students, teachers, and parents has led some parents to believe that monetary rewards are necessary if kids are to get good grades. However, this is a misunderstanding that will only lead to negative consequences in the end.

Rewards, though needed for most types of motivation, should be well-examined. Monetary rewards are especially difficult to hand out because they make people motivated towards the wrong goals. For instance, money is often the reward for hard work. But, those who have been in that situation know too well that money cannot make up for lost time. At the same time, money becomes a motivating factor that traps the person in a never-ending cycle to try to get more money.

That is not what we want our children to think. We do not want them to think that education is useless without monetary rewards. True education requires that the student learn something about himself and those around him. And, true education means that a person is learning for the sake of learning. Monetary rewards will hopefully come later.

Students who learn that they should get good grades in order to earn money will soon realize that they have wasted their time blindly following a material good. Young students are especially at risk for developing a sort of psychology that tells them it is okay to do things for money. Something as important as education, even at the elementary level, should not be treated as a commodity.

However, it is good to give cash rewards once in a while. At the end of the year, if the student has accomplished a high degree of success, then the student merits a reward, even in the form of money. But, to continuously offer money as a form of reward is not a good habit; it only leads to money-hungriness, and young people should not be taught to think that way. Praise is perhaps one of the best ways to reward a young child. Children crave attention, and positive attention, such as praise, from parents is important to any healthy developing child. And, the best part is, praise does not put a hole in your wallet.

Any reward is only effective if done with moderation. Motivation does not require a reward every time success is achieved; in fact, motivation is a personal issue. If a person does not have a reason or willingness to be motivated to achieve something, then a reward is not merited.

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
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