Sometimes parents worry that rewarding kids may be spoiling them. And in some cases, this may be true. Parents who give their kids lavish and expensive gifts all the time may be contributing to kids becoming overly demanding.
Kids who receive an IPOD for passing a test, a $100 allowance for taking out the trash or a new car simply because they turned 16 may not have a realistic expectation about work and life in general.
Luckily, these lavish gifts aren't the norm. Most parents want to teach their kids to work hard to earn extra rewards and privileges. And many parents can't afford to give kids expensive rewards.
With some creativity parents can find plenty of free and low-cost rewards to motivate kids. By giving kids free and low-cost rewards, they don't come to expect expensive rewards to motivate them. Instead, simple pleasures, like a trip to the park can provide kids with an incentive to do well.
Learn more about free and low-cost rewards for kids.