Do you bribe your children?

Question

Not monetarily, per se, but in some form or another.

Answer 1

I really really really try not to - there is no reward worth getting them to do what is right - but sometimes it is just too hard to fight it!

Answer 2

Bribe is not the right term because in bribing, you do or give something for a favor that benefits you. And this is an introduction to Graft and Corruption. Bribing thrives on a belief that "Nothing moves without money!!!".

The proper term or action should be "motivating" if you want to encourage kids from doing good deeds by granting special non-monetary rewards, like a cone of ice cream or a day at Chucky Cheese.

You are actually helping the kids develop proper values, that would benefit them in the future.

Read some books on Child Psychology. This may benefit you and your kids someday.

Now, in this case - am I bribing you to read, or just plainly motivationg you to be interested in this stuff for the sake of your kids?

PS: Motivate me too by selecting this response as the best answer!!!

Answer 3

I don't have any children. But if I did, I would NEVER bribe them. They would live by the rules or else suffer the consequences. There have to be rules or you end up with rotten kids. I know many people who bribe their kids and their kids end up walking all over them. It's really very sad.

Answer 4

Negotiation, incentives, whatever it takes to get good behavior. Bribe? As in money? Nah, she doesn't understand that kind of currency, but an oreo? THAT is her currency, and she sets goals of chores and homework and piano practice, etc, in order to gain the right to her oreos.

If that is bribery, so be it, but I think the semantics may be a little harsh, I like to think of it as delayed gratification and the first step towards self-discipline.

Answer 5

Of course. It's a way of teaching children that there are rewards for good behavior. Don't we, as adults, experience the same thing? Low interest rates for good credit. An annual bonus for exceeding certain levels. Paid vacation for highest productivity? Its the same principal, just on a different level.

Answer 6

Oh hell yeah! I bribe them monetarily! They are 3 yr. and 1 yr. so it's still cheap for me to bribe! lol

Answer 7

I would like to think of it as providing 'consequences". If you do your homework you will 1) get good grades, 2) get to talk with your friends on the phone, and 3) not be on restriction. But, bribing no way. Like I will give you something of you do something... no way.

Answer 8

I don't have children...well, none that I know of- But I have bribed other people's kids. Here you go sweetie, here is $5, now don't tell daddy that Uncle Trip stopped by to visit mommy today.

Answer 9

well im not old to have a child but i bribe other children to maybe convince my parents that they want to go someplace so that i get a chance to go too,that was when i was at the age of 10,now im 15,lol

Answer 10

with all kinds of things... Very easy to do. And I have a straight A student in middle school because of my bribing!!! This quarter he's getting Heelies...you know, shoes with wheels... I'm a proud mama...

Answer 11

Never. I don' t have to. Raising children isn't easy, but in the early early years (1-4) you establish the family dynamic early on. Everything centers on love......and you do for those you love. When children understand the concept they do because they want to.....not because they have to.