A reward can be called a bribe only if our intention is to pervert or corrupt. Another objection to rewards as incentives is that they accustom the child to always expect rewards for good behavior. We should never lose sight of the ideal. Ultimately, good behavior will bring its own rewards. But children, who may not yet have experienced that intrinsic satisfaction which good behavior brings, may need our help in getting such behavior started.
Rewards are simply a way to initiate a child into better behavior.
Whatever a child finds enjoyable can be used as reinforcement. Being allowed to play with some special toy or game can work well. By observing what a child normally enjoys doing, we can pick reinforcers that will be effective for him. Incentives, however, tend to lose their effectiveness if parents keep reminding the child about them. They will then be seen by the child as just another form of pressure to get him to behave as we want.