Rewards for teenagers exam results

Jodun

What are people's thoughts on offering rewards for certain exam grades achieved?

My son is capable of achieving A's and B's if he puts in the effort, but he is happy to coast along and get C's, maybe a B or two if he's lucky.

My husband and I are considering offering him financial incentives, higher amount for a higher grade. I think this could work, but I'm also thinking that he should just want to do it for himself, and the higher grades and pride in himself should be reward enough. I'm really in two minds!

I'm interested to hear what others think.

arbrighton

A level or GCSE?

Either way, he needs to learn to motivate himself, an essential skill for adult life

LKRDN_Morgan

I don't see a problem with it. Most of us work harder with incentives whether it's at school or as an adult. Ok it's great to take pride in doing well in something off your own back but pride isn't going to help me save for a mortgage. Money does! And that's why I'm always the one at work picking up the extra shifts, working late, coming in early. These things don't go unnoticed and I'm usually lucky enough to receive a bonus. No different to rewarding a kid who does well in exams.

Artytarty

I would offer incentives if it means him reaching his potential.
It's just so important that I duse whatever means I had to help my child and if bribery is one of them, so be it!
I've done it and never regretted it.

Dird

Jodun wrote: »

What are people's thoughts on offering rewards for certain exam grades achieved?

I think you should offer rewards but you should also be encouraging him in a non-financial manner too. Just saying "make sure you do your homework" then turning on Eastenders isn't much of a pep talk. Point out that if he slacks in his exams then he'll probably spend the rest of his life stacking shelves and living in poverty.

I had a financial reward agreed for SATs in primary, not at GCSE but that's just how family was at the time

heartbreak_star

I had no financial reward, but I enjoyed school and also had it drilled into me that I needed decent grades for a decent job

HBS x

merrydance

I always rewarded my 3 children if they got A or A* in their exams. My son who is the youngest (27) now, got £10 for his A's in his GCSEs and £20 in his A levels. I think is does spur them on a bit.

Faith177

I was offered by my mum £50 for every C and above I got or I could go on holiday with her. I picked the holiday and as part of my history GCSE that I had really loved was the Russian revolution we went to Moscow and St Petersburg with a few day in Prague thrown in.

It was an amazing trip and my mum & me had a wonderful time and it was nice to just chill out after exams

Knightsuntold

Oh, this brings back memories! My stepson was very intelligent, but also quite lazy - he always coasted through exams, with 'C' grades and no effort. I wanted to give a financial incentive, but his dad was dead set against it, on the basis that he should realise the importance of the exams, and do the work for the sake of it. I finally got my own way, as I said that good exam results at that stage were a foundation for life, and it was a lot to expect a boy of his age, who had coasted along so far, to realise it. We offered a £100 for 'A's, £75 for 'B's and £50 for 'C'. He got mainly 'A's and a couple of 'B's in his weaker subjects.

It actually worked out in our favour, as he put the money in a car fund, adding to it with birthday and Christmas money. We paid for his driving lessons and his insurance, but the car was his own purchase, and I'm sure that helped to make sure that he looked after it properly.

suejb2

Blackmail..bribery..incentives...motivation all the same in my book.

PasturesNew

The flip side of that is adding pressure - and what if he tries and just fails ... and you don't give it to him and he thinks that's unfair and goes off in a sulk?