I Know the Secret to Getting Good Grades. My Wife Insists on Keeping It From Our Kids.

My wife “Alana” and I are having a disagreement over rewarding our kids for getting good grades. School will be starting in two weeks for our kids, who are 11 and 13. I suggested we give them an incentive to do well by implementing a system where we give them money for high marks (e.g., $20 for each A they get, $10 for each B, $5 for each C, etc.). Alana says that getting good grades is its own reward, and we shouldn’t set them up to expect to be paid for “doing what they’re supposed to be doing anyway.” I don’t see this as any different than getting a bonus at work for exceptional performance, and don’t think there’s anything wrong with giving the kids some motivation if it inspires them to apply themselves. Who’s right here?

—Report Card Ruckus

https://slate.com/advice/2025/08/parenting-advice-good-grades-incentive.html