I think it depends on how you define "bribe." I think we are all motivated by the promise of something we want. I don't feel "bribed" to keep the commandments even though I desire the blessings promised if I do so. I was once told by a wise teacher that "you have to have the motion before you have the emotion." This fell in line with another teacher who said, "If you can get your children to do something for the 'wrong' reason, they will do it later for the 'right' reason." I found that to be true with my own children who are now adults as well as with the children that we adopted and are now in their teens. They were 'rewarded' with play time (rarely with treats) or other fun activities as soon as their rooms were clean, their chores completed, and homework / instrument practicing was done. Now, years later, my children keep their homes neat and tidy and play the piano without being asked because it is now they actually enjoy what used to be drudgery to them. It is the same way with me regarding gardening, yard work, reading scriptures, ministering, and doing family history / temple work. I used to hate doing all those things and only did them grudgingly. Funny thing, the more I participated in those activities, the more I realized I actually enjoyed them. Now I actually look forward to and enjoy all those things I used to dread. Do what 'works' with your children.
Kay RookhuyzenJuly 24, 2018
My youngest "child" is now almost 26! I love reading these educational articles. Instead of feeling b ad about doing or not doing whatever the article is about, I feel gratitude that heavenly father made up the difference as my five turned out just fabulous!
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HalAugust 3, 2018
I think it depends on how you define "bribe." I think we are all motivated by the promise of something we want. I don't feel "bribed" to keep the commandments even though I desire the blessings promised if I do so. I was once told by a wise teacher that "you have to have the motion before you have the emotion." This fell in line with another teacher who said, "If you can get your children to do something for the 'wrong' reason, they will do it later for the 'right' reason." I found that to be true with my own children who are now adults as well as with the children that we adopted and are now in their teens. They were 'rewarded' with play time (rarely with treats) or other fun activities as soon as their rooms were clean, their chores completed, and homework / instrument practicing was done. Now, years later, my children keep their homes neat and tidy and play the piano without being asked because it is now they actually enjoy what used to be drudgery to them. It is the same way with me regarding gardening, yard work, reading scriptures, ministering, and doing family history / temple work. I used to hate doing all those things and only did them grudgingly. Funny thing, the more I participated in those activities, the more I realized I actually enjoyed them. Now I actually look forward to and enjoy all those things I used to dread. Do what 'works' with your children.
Kay RookhuyzenJuly 24, 2018
My youngest "child" is now almost 26! I love reading these educational articles. Instead of feeling b ad about doing or not doing whatever the article is about, I feel gratitude that heavenly father made up the difference as my five turned out just fabulous!
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