Recent research shows that introducing cash rewards for activities children already enjoy can unexpectedly undermine their passion for those hobbies over time. This occurs because the external motivation of money can shift their focus from the inherent joy of the activity to the reward itself.

We have all heard stories of kids who are passionate about a particular hobby, whether it is playing an instrument, drawing, or building things. These activities can be incredibly beneficial for their development. They can promote creativity, problem-solving skills, and build a sense of accomplishment.

However, there is a growing concern about the potential negative impact of offering incentives for these activities. When rewards become part of the equation, intrinsic motivation—our kids’ inner drive to engage in activities for the pure joy of doing them—can be severely undermined.

The Science of Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation refers to doing something because it is inherently enjoyable, interesting, or satisfying. For children, engaging in art, music, sports, or any other hobby typically stems from their curiosity, passion, and the pleasure of the activity itself.

However, studies show that when external rewards (like money, praise, or prizes) are introduced for hobbies kids naturally enjoy, it can negatively impact their long-term engagement. Psychologists call this the “over justification effect.”

The over justification effect happens when an external incentive decreases a person’s intrinsic motivation to perform a task. Once a child starts associating an activity like painting or playing soccer with a monetary reward, their brain begins to focus on the reward rather than the enjoyment of the activity. Without the reward, the task may no longer seem as appealing.

… why it matters

Encouraging intrinsic motivation in children is crucial because it builds lifelong learning, curiosity, and resilience. When children are driven by their own internal desires, they are more likely to persevere through challenges.

They will enjoy the process of learning, and take pride in their achievements. In contrast, external rewards can create a “what’s-in-it-for-me” mindset. Here, they become more focused on outcomes and less on the joy of learning or growing.

Intrinsic motivation also plays a key role in helping children build self-esteem. When kids engage in hobbies because they truly enjoy them, they learn to value their own interests and abilities, rather than seeking validation or approval from others.

How Cash Rewards for Children Can Backfire

While cash rewards may seem like a quick and easy way to motivate children, they can have unintended consequences.

Let’s consider an example. Imagine your child loves drawing and spends hours creating artwork simply for fun. You decide to encourage this passion by offering them a few dollars every time they complete a new drawing.

Initially, your child may feel excited about the reward, but over time, something subtle happens. Their natural interest in drawing begins to fade. What was once a joyful, creative outlet is now seen as a task to complete for money. Eventually, if the cash incentives stop, the child might lose interest in drawing altogether.

In this scenario, the child’s intrinsic love for art has been overshadowed by the desire for external rewards. Research shows that when children are only motivated by external factors, their engagement in that activity declines once the rewards are no longer available.

In summary;

1. Reduced Enjoyment: When children are given cash for doing something they already enjoy, the activity can start to feel like a chore rather than a source of pleasure.
2. Decreased Interest: Over time, children may lose interest in the hobby once the cash rewards stop. This can be particularly problematic if they’ve come to associate the activity with earning money rather than the intrinsic joy it provides.
3. Damaged Relationship: Offering cash rewards can create a transactional relationship between parent and child, potentially damaging the bond of trust and mutual respect.

Alternatives to Cash Rewards

So, how can parents encourage their children’s hobbies without undermining their intrinsic motivation?

Here are a few alternative strategies:

1. Focus on the Process, Not the Product

Instead of praising the outcome (e.g., “Wow, you painted a beautiful picture!”), focus on the process your child went through. Say things like, “You really spent a lot of time mixing colors. How did you come up with that idea?” This helps children appreciate the effort they put in and keeps the focus on the enjoyment of the activity itself.

2. Encourage Self-Reflection

Ask your child how they feel after engaging in their hobby. Questions like, “What was your favorite part of drawing today?” or “How did you feel when you were playing soccer?” can help them connect with their own emotions and the joy they experience during the activity.

3. Model Intrinsic Motivation

Children often model their behavior on their parents. If you pursue your own hobbies or interests for the love of the activity, your child is likely to follow suit. Share with them why you enjoy your hobbies, whether it’s gardening, reading, or exercising, and emphasize the personal satisfaction you get from them.

4. Create an Environment of Exploration

Give your child the freedom to explore different hobbies without the pressure of rewards or expectations. Let them experiment with various activities—whether it is cooking, painting, dancing, or building—so they can discover what truly excites them.

5. Encourage Perseverance, Not Perfection

When children struggle with a hobby, it is easy to offer external rewards to push them through. However, encouraging perseverance in the face of challenges is far more valuable. Remind your child that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that learning or creating something is a process of trial and error. This mindset promotes resilience and intrinsic motivation.

6. Celebrate Effort and Growth

Rather than offering monetary rewards, celebrate your child’s growth. For instance, you could display their artwork at home, attend their sports games, or simply acknowledge how much they’ve improved over time. This type of recognition feels more personal and meaningful than money.

When Rewarding Children with Cash or Incentives Works

While it’s true that rewarding children with cash or other incentives most often backfires, there are situations where it can be effective:

1. Long-Term Goals:

• Large-scale achievements: For significant goals like completing a major project, learning a new skill, or achieving a specific academic milestone.
• Delayed gratification: Teaching children to work towards a goal over time and reap the rewards later.

2. Skill Development:

• Learning new skills: Offering incentives for mastering new skills or hobbies can encourage exploration and development.
• Practice and improvement: Rewarding consistent effort and improvement can motivate children to practice and hone their abilities.

3. Chores and Responsibilities:

• Household duties: Establishing a system where children earn rewards for completing their chores can instil a sense of responsibility and contribute to a harmonious household.
• Learning financial responsibility: Using cash rewards to teach children about saving, budgeting, and spending wisely.

Key Considerations:

Rewards should be tailored to the child’s age and developmental stage. While external rewards can be motivating, it’s important to nurture intrinsic motivation and a love of learning for its own sake. Avoid overreliance on rewards, as they can become less effective over time. Combine rewards with praise and encouragement to build a positive learning environment.

Remember: The goal of rewards should be to reinforce positive behavior, encourage learning, and develop a sense of responsibility. When used strategically and in conjunction with other motivational techniques, cash and other incentives can be a valuable tool in child development.