preparing for selecive schools 9+ etc How o reward child who is working hard?

[schooling123]

I am trying to have he system of reqarding my DS for sttudying/ working hard ttowards his next exam. What strategies woul you recommend tthat worked as a reward rather than bribing ?

Random acts of kindness rather than pre-defined:
You've worked really hard so

• why don't we go to a café for cake
• why not go to the cinema this afternoon
• stay up late and watch a DVD
• go ice skating / bowling

I think it's all about attitude and your son feeling good for having studied and doing better at things. That can be developed by praising effort and progress and getting child to be more independent and involved - e.g. planning their own revision or choosing what to study when. External rewards other than praise might backfire as it might turn any bit of studying into a transition...

Lots of chats about how hard work is generally beneficial and not just for the exam. We didn't promise or give anything for passing. Surprised her with something she really wanted in the summer before exam when she was studying hard. Agree with above lots of time together doing nice non exam prep things.