cash for good grades

[Napoléon]

If they're not doing academically well enough, perhaps addressing the root of the problem is better than simply paying them off in cash?

If they're unhappy with never being able to buy things, then either offer an allowance for chores done or have them get a job. Be supportive, drive them around, etc,. Help solve the issues in their life and offer them an infrastructure to develop their own life path. That probably in infinitely more of value to a youth than simple hush money.

Yeah, those are probably better ideas than simply giving them cash. However I still think it's fine to reward a child for doing well with a bit of money. Some creatures just need a carrot dangled above their head and they will chase it. Some do not. Whatever works right?

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But then again, you're celebrating and recognizing them event and importance of long term accomplishment, than short term goals.

Yes I think that's the essence of it. Rewarding them with money is simply a short term way to reward them. There are most definitely better ways to teach them a good work ethic, but it still doesn't make rewarding them with money a bad thing