Paying kids an allowance for getting good grades is a controversial subject in some circles.

Those who advocate it—like I do—have a variety of reasons for giving our children an academic allowance. Critics also say that an allowance tied to grades sets kids up to lack motivation, in school and elsewhere, unless cold, hard dollars are at stake.

Here are five reasons I pay my children an allowance when they get good grades—and why you might consider doing so with your own kids as well. Motivation comes in many ways and from a variety of sources. My kids know that at the end of each marking period, if they have a 3. As a result, the simple truth is: No academic allowance is given for grades below a B.

According to a study on children and money conducted by the American Institute of CPAs, nearly half of all U. Even though we are paying our children an allowance tied to their grades earned today, my husband and I are keenly aware that this strategy may actually save us big bucks down the road.

We know that high-achieving students are more likely than other classmates to earn scholarships and merit-based aid when they enroll in college. And since paying kids for good grades can give them extra motivation to shoot for those As, we consider it something of a strategic investment.

We recognize, of course, that a huge number of factors determine whether a student wins merit aid from a higher education institution or a third-party scholarship provider. But having excellent grades certainly tips the scales in their favor. At the very least, it can only help.

Should We Pay Kids for Good Grades?

As it turns out, two colleges that are high on her list, USC and Fordham, reward National Merit Scholars. If her academic performance was rooted—even in the tiniest way—in her being having been a studious adolescent, then I will consider those dollars paid for grades well worth it.

It reinforces our financial values and reiterates the importance of education to my children. In my church, my pastor is fond of saying: So by paying my kids when they get good grades, it reiterates the message we teach them about being conscious about financial decisions and spending money on things that really matter.

I guess you could say it helps keep their teachers from having to contact me about grade issues.

5 Reasons to Pay Your Kids for Good Grades - EBONY

I also appreciate that, at the middle school level, teachers will let me know in a heartbeat when something goes wrong. In a nutshell, these are the reasons I give my children an allowance when they receive high marks in school.

Others may disagree, but it works well for our family.

Do I want my kids to enjoy and pursue learning for its own sake? Of course I do. As an adult, are you happy and gung-ho about every single thing you have to do? While I understand those criticisms, I respectfully disagree with such concerns.

But they also love to be financially rewarded for doing well. It can actually save our family money in the future Even though we are paying our children an allowance tied to their grades earned today, my husband and I are keenly aware that this strategy may actually save us big bucks down the road. How is this possible?

It reinforces our financial values and reiterates the importance of education to my children In my church, my pastor is fond of saying: Stay in the Know. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file.

Should Students Get Paid For Good Grades? | Teen Opinion Essay

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