Do bribes work? Would they work on you? Have you used bribes with your children? Is offering cash or items for a behavior or grades a bribe or a reward?
I love the bribe system. My parents used it a lot. I loved that I got stuff out of it and didn’t really have to change my behavior at all. Sorry Mom and Dad. When I was about six my neighbor, who was my sister’s age, stood in her kitchen and taught me how to burp on purpose. I embraced this talent and used it all the time. I used it against other children. My parents gave me a red wagon to quit. I had so much fun with that wagon, but only stopped the behavior when my parents would find out. I got a blue bicycle to stop sucking my thumb. I stopped sucking my thumb where my family would see. I was offered all sorts of things to apply myself in school, but I never did. I wonder what currency would have been enough for an underachiever.
My children are not old enough to bribe, so I don’t know if the system would work with them. With small children it’s now called the reward system. Parents have sticker charts to show off when the child has completed a chore or accomplished a desired behavior. When parents are potty training they offer treats for going on the potty.
My toddler is very strong willed. She doesn’t care what she’s offered, if she doesn’t want to do it, she’s not going to do it. I’m not holding much hope for the future with bribes and my daughter. Then again, she’s young and it’s early. When her speech and cognition catch up, she may want rewards and knowing that Mommy and Daddy are pleased with her.