Paying kids for grades like good little capitalists

Many parents have wrestled with whether they should pay their kids for good grades. Some look at just a little cash as an extra incentive to excel, while others believe that it sends the wrong message to children about the value of both money and education. However, studies suggest that there is a golden middle path that is encouraging and educates kids’ lifelong monetary lessons.

‘School is your job’

Paying for grades is supported by many moms and dads. They say that a child is going to school like a job. Children are designed to be working to learn as much as possible. This is to prepare for the future. An employer pays employee compensation. A student should be paid as well.

The opposing side to this argument, however, is that not all jobs in life net monetary rewards and that, children should strive for good grades simply for personal growth. With grade payment, could students be more prepared? Are internships that are unpaid what students are preparing for? Is the truth that unpaid internships are an inappropriate way for corporations to abuse employees?

Pay for good grades programs have been instituted in numerous public school systems to good impact, reports the New York Times. The debate is nevertheless there. Many argue constantly. Because it was just like the reward systems of United States capitalist society, Urban League President Darwin Dais praised the efforts while Sol Stern, Manhattan Institute fellow, said it is “an insult to every hard-working parent.”

Don’t do free labor

Moms and dads can help children quite a bit by teaching that hard work and accomplishment can compensate them. There is a lesson to learn. Don’t work for free if you are able to do it well. Children might not understand unless they know more. Kids have to know what money is worth. The value of money is something all kids ought to know. Money Crashers makes it easy:

1. The importance of money. If you are dealing with teenagers, don’t give them gift cards or prepaid debit card as a reward for grades. It becomes more significant for a teenager to conserve after holding money in their hands. They’ll feel what it is like to exchange the dollars and change for things at the store.
2. The importance of hard work. Some children might need more money after getting paid for grades. If this is the case, the kids should try to get a job part-time. For younger kids who aren’t already receiving an allowance, this could be doing yard work for neighbors. Teenagers can get a part-time job. They might even consider a paper route. Some children will understand money better after working for it. They will know what it takes to get a dollar.
3. Teach children about giving. By donating time or money, children can learn about doing well. This is a good way to teach children to care for others. This can help them value money as well as education.

Articles cited

Money Crashers

moneycrashers.com/should-parents-pay-if-their-kids-get-good-grades/

New York Times

nytimes.com/2007/06/19/nyregion/19schools.html?_r=2

Exxon is paying high school students for grades

youtu.be/tkVcO8M4QVc