Growing up, I had several friends that were given money based on their report cards. You know the idea. They would get $10 for each A, $5 for each B, and so on. I remember thinking how easy that money would be. Like taking candy from a baby. After all, I was bringing home A's and B's every report card already. There was a difference in my parent's house. I was expected to study hard and get good grades for myself and my future...not for money. My only job was to study hard and get good grades....oh, and not make a fool of my parents in public.

Do you think it is a good idea to tie money reward to grades? I can certainly get behind the rewards part of a report card. But do you think it should be money? Some argue that job performance ties directly to your raises, so what's the difference. I think there is a huge difference. I realize that some people do work solely for the paycheck. But many of us work because it gives us a personal satisfaction...something to be proud of and improve.

It is a slippery slope parents create when you start using money to encourage what children should naturally be doing anyway...LEARNING. Grades are an indicator that your child is learning and on the right path. This is something they should be expected to do anyway, not because they will get $50 or a new video game. Who is really in control when this transaction takes place? And what happens when children get an after-school part-time job? Parents: You will lose the leverage.

My mom was a teacher and my dad has always pushed the importance of education, even opening a tutoring business for several years. We always knew how they felt about obtaining education and learning. I worked for good grades because I wanted good grades. I would bring my report card home and loved hearing my parents give compliments...that is a better feeling than any $10 could ever bring. I think we should be holding higher standards for our kids...they will live up to the level you expect of them.