BRIBE YOUR KIDS {it's ok, really!}

Managers develop strategies all the time to encourage employees to do their best.  Books are written on long term incentive plans; committees are formed to run them and budgets are made to fund them.  Why? 

Because companies with incentive plans tend to demonstrate higher productivity, profits and customer loyalty.  

And it doesn't always need to be a "big thing" to make someone feel valued.  I once heard of a manager who had created a extraordinary atmosphere. One day while this manager was talking with an employee, the employee shared a great idea with him.  This manager was so excited that he looked around and then grabbed the closest thing he could find to give him- a banana from his desk.  It was a funny gesture and word of it probably circulated the water cooler, but the result was that the employee felt knew he was appreciated and he probably didn't hesitate to contribute the next time. 

As moms, we are managers too and we can use positive rewards to help our kiddos to develop good patterns in much the same way.  

What do I do?  I simply stock inexpensive tickets from the Dollar Tree (pictured above and found in the birthday/ prize area).  Then each day if people have been working hard and doing what I need for school, they earn a ticket.  

If they go above and beyond, I give them two.  

Then when they earn three tickets, they pick a prize from the basket. 

It's not a huge thing, it's a banana, but lets them know I see what they are doing and I appreciate it. 


 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind...” Luke 6:35  and "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward." Mark 9:41 



 Hey, I guess God uses incentives too! 

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Rebecca Jones is a believer on Christ, passionate about God's Word and applying it to life.  She and her High School sweetheart have been married for 25 years and have 5 daughters (yes 5!).  Rebecca has a degree in Marketing, has been home educating for 15 years and writing since 2008.  Her oldest daughter is presently attending a Christian college while the other 4 daughters continue to school at home. 





Just a P.S.  I don't bribe kids for things they have little control over, like natural talents and abilities, but I do encourage good character and positive attitudes.  I've always loved SM Davis' teaching on this topic:   How to Develop Character in your Children.