by Kim Dutelle

Created on: October 11, 2007

Considering that I am one of those parents who refuses to give her children money for making their beds, cleaning their rooms and helping me set and clear the table, my answer is an emphatic no!

Why can't good grades and test scores be their own reward? Why can't children learn that hard work, good study habits and a determination to do their best are enough? When we throw money at kids to perform well, we are just perpetuating the idea that the "almighty dollar" is the most important thing. Then we throw up our hands and shake our heads in despair when we've realized that we've raised a bunch of mercenaries who only do things unless they get something tangible in return.

It's been argued that children receiving money for good grades only prepares them for the real world of employment and compensation. Maybe that's true. If an employer wants to give an employee a bonus for getting a new client, sealing a deal, having outstanding sales, or for always being the first one in the office and making the coffee every day, and the employer uses company funds for that, that's his or her choice. I doubt that anyone would argue with that. But what if the employer paid that particular employee with money that would normally go to another employee? "Hey, Ms. B, I know you've worked hard and done your best this month, but I just haven't seen the results I've wanted, so I'm taking some of your salary to pay Mr. A for a job well done." I doubt that would be a popular policy.

But isn't that what school districts would be doing to tax payers by taking money from them to pay the best performers in school? I spend enough money on my own children for school supplies, book and lab fees, field trips, etc. I certainly don't need to spend anymore for my neighbor's kid who managed to ace a test. If my neighbor wants to buy him a new Nintendo DS for memorizing some math facts, great. But don't come asking me to contribute. Our school district is already in a shambles, and we're seeing major cutbacks in everything from the music to the gifted and talented program. I would rather my money go toward restoring them as opposed to funding a "money for scores" program.

But most importantly, what are we teaching our children when we essentially pay them off for getting good grades? That life is more about rewards than results? That working hard is only worth it if you can buy something at the end? That giving your all only matters if you get something in return? That volunteering your time at your church, a hospital, a fund raising campaign, a homeless shelter, or being a mentor to a child who may not be that successful at school isn't worth wasting your time on because the only compensation you may get is a "thank you" and a smile?

I do have to admit, though, to being interested in seeing how this would play out. How long would it be before kids were asking for money for perfect attendance, for participating in extra-curricular activities or for being on time for school every day? And I would love to see the look on a future employer's face when these kids, once into the work force, are asked to finish up a report or attend a business function and they reply, "Sure, I'd be happy to. So what are you going to give me?"

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