Bribery

Dear Caida,

You've had a REALLY rough week.  The new medicine is supposed to help you not be so tired, but you still fell asleep in school yesterday--more than once.  And you sleep at least 10 hours at night!  It's made you kinda cranky in the mornings.  Wednesday it took you 45 minutes to take your 7 pills and you didn't even get breakfast because you were so late and crabby.  You and your mom fought every morning, and it was awful.

SO.  Your mom decided that she'd spend some of her first paycheck on a bribe.  :)  She got these really cute light-up pink and turquoise shoes for you, AND two new t-shirts to match.  AND chocolate-filled chocolate muffins.  Your morning started as any other--you refusing to get out of bed and giving her attitude--and then she mentioned she had a surprise for you.  "Really?" you excitedly asked.  "What is it?"  She showed you, and you SQUEALED like you had just won a trip to Disneyland!

Some people think bribery is bad parenting, or teaching you bad morals.  But I think it's perfectly logical--adults work on a system of rewards and bribes all the time.  I bet only like 3% of people would work if they weren't getting paid.  And anyone who believes in karma or God is hoping for a reward--it's what gets us through the days on the the days we don't feel very charitable.  Of course, eventually we should WANT to do the right thing, for its own sake and for the love of what's right and the people around us...but unless you're perfect, that ain't happening ALL THE TIME.  So bribes and rewards seem natural and logical to me.  AND THEY WORK!  :)  And, for you, clothing and food are the way to go...I hope your mama doesn't go broke!  :)

Love,
Aunt Celeste