Rewarding students for good grades is a plus.  Some schools give accolades for every A they earn and some parents reward their children with money every time they bring home a glowing report card.  Several critics disapprove of this practice and believe it will harm students in the long run by dimming their love of learning and teaching them that learning is only valuable if it results in financial gain.  While this is certainly a concern, there are some benefits to consider before chucking this idea of the window.

Rewarding students for earning good grades can teach them the value of hard work.  Parents and educators want children to know that hard work leads to rewards and financial stability.  When people work hard at their jobs or businesses, they put themselves in a position to earn more money be financially successful.  When children are paid for working hard in school, they are being taught that hard work can lead to financial success.  This lesson can be especially important for subjects that students struggle with.  In life, adults may have to complete tasks for their business that are unpleasant or challenging, but they push through because they know that there is a financial reward in the end along with the emotional reward that comes from overcoming a challenge.  The same is true when parents pay their students for achieving success in difficult classes.  Students learn that if they keep pushing through difficult tasks they will be rewarded in the end.

Rewarding students for good grades teaches them to stay focused, set academic and financial goals, and hustle for their money.  This practice might not be for every family, but it is definitely something to consider if you are looking for ways to teach the important connection between hard work and financial success.