Bribery has such a bad reputation. So I prefer to think of it a little differently. It's a reward, a salary, if you will, for doing what you are asked. Don't we get a paycheck for doing our job? A child doesn't understand the value of money, so you give them candy.
And every mother knows that Bribery is the best and easiest way to get a child to stay in line.
On our way to swim lessons, we stopped at Keefe's and I let Sage pick out any candy she wanted. Bless her little heart, she still chooses a dum dum sucker over a King Size Reeses.
Then we negotiated the terms of the contract:
- No hitting
- No yelling
- Listen to the teacher
- Do what the teacher asks her to do
Sage agreed, and the deal was made. I took possession of the dum dum. If she met all of her requirements, she would then get it back as payment.
I was amazed at the results. Sage was such a big girl. She showed exemplary behavior. Singing when asked to sing, letting me help her swim, blowing bubbles on cue . . . she didn't even cry when it was time to go.
Sage got her sucker. I got a well-behaved child. It worked out well for both of us. A happy time by all for 10 cents is well worth it. I'm looking forward to next week.
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