I think I just bribed DS

[diannescruffy]

DS has been struggling in maths since Primary School. Finally this year, he's in Yr9, they have different groups for maths and he said he's in the dumb group. He said though that he likes maths because he is starting to understand, this was last week. Tonight I asked him how is maths going, he said good but I don't do any work because the teacher doesn't care . I tried to explain to him that if he doesn't do the work, he won't improve, he said if the teacher doesn't care why should I. I then said to him that if he improves his grades by mid year I will repair his phone for him, he has a touch phone and the screen broke, he was to save his pocket money to pay $180. He actually said yeah mum I will try my best to improve. Is it wrong to bribe your child like this?

[AliBaby]

Definately not. You are doing it to help him. I think you are more rewarding him for his good work and thats not a bad thing.

[feeb]

I dont think so I see it more as a reward for trying hard and improving his grades. Something for him to aim for.

[Lisa]

I don't see it as bribery, it is an incentive to do well at school.

[MummyTummy]

I think he will still be up for a challenge to improve his grades, so I would look at it more as a goal to aim for.

I remember when maths was split up at my school, and dumb maths was called vegie maths (as anything considered fun or not challenging was a veg out subject) and there really wasn't any incentive to improve. It was considered by staff and students alike that once you were in those classes, you didn't want to do maths and therefore no effort was made on either part. Just enough to get you through it. Students would boast about being in vegie maths, hardly the environment to make you want to do well.

But I think if he really does want to improve to get the higher grades to get his phone fixed, then you might need to help him set up mini goals to let him see his achievements for himself. It will also let you see how dedicated he really is. If he can't reach mini goals, or at least doesn't try to, then you will know that he really isn't that interested.

[blackduckies]

You gotta do what works and we all like a bit of encouragement/bribery!!!
I hope it works..