This was certainly not the first time I'd heard parents use Christmas gifts as a bribe for good behaviour. Even the old song warns all boys and girls to be good since Santa Claus is watching and making note. It reminds me of a cartoon I once saw. Withholding any gift for bad behaviour is what we refer to as punishment. Since most parents have found a democractic approach to parenting to be more effective, punishment of any kind is passe.
Consequences are in.
Along with the whole punishment versus consequence issue is the risk of being inconsistent when not following through with the threat. I know that it's very tempting and has wonderful short term effects as a bribe, but please think twice. Canadian Parents Online Inc. All rights reserved. Please send your comments to the CPO Team .