<p>When I was in h.s., my father distributed $ for A's to us children. It made no difference, plus or minus, for the kids. I happened to be a super-achiever & in love with school from before kindergarten. I performed at exactly the same level before & after the money was given. Same with my siblings, for whom $ was no lure, & who chose to goof off in school. </p>
<p>Before my father's death, he used to give my own children $ for their A's. (I never have; & while I am not strongly against the idea, my family experience taught me that the motivation is mostly intrinsic.) I also did not object to my father doing this, as it is one step removed in blood relationship, which my daughters would more likely see as a reward than as an incentive, & because it was also usually fairly time-delayed. They saw it more as a surprising treat.</p>
<p>As someone said, I grow concerned about rewarding more for product than for effort, & I similarly worked harder on the only B+ I received in h.s. than on all my other courses. The same goes for my younger D.</p>
<p>I would not be in a position to promise a certain amount of $ for college A's. However, if I am in the position later, I would love to provide a financial award or the equivalent not for A's per se, but simply for level of effort/output after graduation. ("Here's <strong>$ for that B+ in that nasty </strong><em>class; an additional $</em>_for Cum Laude at graduation," etc.)</p>
<p>I agree, different strokes for diff. folks. I think one reason I have worried about providing <em>parental</em> money as incentive is that I worry about the subconscious inclination to cheat or otherwise cut corners for purposes of gain or even to please & stay in good graces. So far, this does not appear to have happened with my own children in school, so I wouldn't want to provide future temptation. Cheating continues to be a problem in many colleges, and a huge problem in some high schools.</p>