Instead, Eastman says parents should praise children for taking risks and exerting effort skills that lead to a lifetime of learning. Praising children for specific actions admiring the penmanship on a report or the colors used in a picture shows your children that you are paying attention to their efforts. Eastman suggests asking the child about the report card. If you talk to your child and she still doesn't seem too concerned about her grades, Eastman says it is fine for parents to voice concerns or displeasure. It's also a good idea to call your child's teacher right away to set up a time to talk and learn more about what's happening at school.
Bribes can undermine a child's motivation for learning and their internal drive.
However, that's not to say that if a child really works hard, you shouldn't reward them. The best way to do this is to celebrate with them. Having a special meal or going to a movie together could be a nice way to acknowledge your child's effort and initiative. But the celebration should focus on your child's effort, rather than the grades. Some children have a hard time learning or just don't experience success in school.