Bribing Children to Behave
Advanced - Speaking
the ARTICLE (for teachers)
Bribing Children to Behave
Some call it a treat, as when a child is promised dessert if she finishes her Brussels sprouts. Others call it a
reward, such as purchasing a video game for doing well on a test. Whatever innocuous terminology the action
may be dressed in, though, promises of desserts, toys, or favors are actually bribes. What's worse, many
parents readily admit to caving in to their kids, buying what previous generations simply demanded as
appropriate behavior.
Parenting experts agree that rewards have a time and a place. But some parents have gone overboard. They
pay their children to brush their teeth, go to sleep at an appropriate time, or even score a few goals at a soccer
tournament! Although it may achieve results in the short term, it can lead children to become adults with
unrealistic expectations of how the world works. There grows a sense of "What are you going to give me?"
In part, bribing our children to behave stems from the modern world, because past generations didn't have as
many material goods to offer their kids. Parents are now busier than ever before, too, with both mom and dad
juggling careers and parenting duties. Frazzled, overworked, and overtired, many admit that they don't want
another power struggle. With each bribe, children up the ante. They demand more and more.
Of course, it's completely unrealistic to assume parents will never reward their children from time to time. The
action should strike a balance and equal the reward, though. It should also be used sparingly. Parents instead
should emphasize that it's rewarding enough to do the thing. For example, going to bed early will ensure that
you feel well rested tomorrow. If that doesn't work, there's nothing wrong with saying, "Because I said so!"
Teacher's Notes:
* Underlined words in red typeface may be vocabulary unfamiliar to the students.
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Bribing Children to Behave
Advanced - Speaking
the Article (for students)
Bribing Children to Behave
Some call it a treat, as when a child is promised dessert if she finishes her Brussels sprouts. Others call it a
reward, such as purchasing a video game for doing well on a test. Whatever innocuous terminology the action
may be dressed in, though, promises of desserts, toys, or favors are actually bribes. What's worse, many
parents readily admit to caving in to their kids, buying what previous generations simply demanded as
appropriate behavior.
Parenting experts agree that rewards have a time and a place. But some parents have gone overboard. They
pay their children to brush their teeth, go to sleep at an appropriate time, or even score a few goals at a soccer
tournament! Although it may achieve results in the short term, it can lead children to become adults with
unrealistic expectations of how the world works. There grows a sense of "What are you going to give me?"
In part, bribing our children to behave stems from the modern world, because past generations didn't have as
many material goods to offer their kids. Parents are now busier than ever before, too, with both mom and dad
juggling careers and parenting duties. Frazzled, overworked, and overtired, many admit that they don't want
another power struggle. With each bribe, children up the ante. They demand more and more.
Of course, it's completely unrealistic to assume parents will never reward their children from time to time. The
action should strike a balance and equal the reward, though. It should also be used sparingly. Parents instead
should emphasize that it's rewarding enough to do the thing. For example, going to bed early will ensure that
you feel well rested tomorrow. If that doesn't work, there's nothing wrong with saying, "Because I said so!"
Notes:
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Bribing Children to Behave
Advanced - Speaking
STEP ONE
Brainstorm: Brainstorm with a partner(s) words and ideas associated with "bribe" for 2 minutes. Spend another
5 minutes or less discussing the words and ideas together.
STEP TWO
Discuss: Do you agree or disagree? Why?
a. Most children are spoiled little monsters nowadays!
b. People should have to take a test before becoming parents.
c. It's perfectly all right to buy a child whatever he/she wants.
d. It's better to raise children in a large family, where grandparents or older siblings can help.
e. Spare the rod, spoil the child.
STEP THREE
The Article: Read the article, and work with a partner to understand it. Lastly, summarize in your own words.
STEP FOUR
Discuss: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Do children behave better or worse than 10 years ago? 20 years ago? 50 years ago? Why?
Will children behave better or worse in 10 years? 20 years? 50 years? Why?
Were you a good or bad child? Why do you think so?
What would you do if your child were misbehaving in the shopping mall?
What is the most difficult part about being a parent? Why?
What qualities does an excellent parent need? Why?
STEP FIVE
Role-play: Act out the following roles for 3-4 minutes, then answer the questions with another group: 1) What
was the conclusion? 2) How did it compare to others? 3) Have you ever experienced something similar?
Mom: You usually give in to your daughter, and buy her toys or ice-cream. You think these are rewards, not
bribes. You aren't so sure about a bicycle.
Dad: You are the strict parent. If you sometimes buy a toy as a reward, that's okay. But the reward should
definitely equal the reason.
Daughter: Try to make your parents buy you a new bicycle. Use whatever reason or tactic to convince both
of them that you need one.
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