Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion This is a big deal! Should I reward him?

DS7 has been taking tae kwon do since he was 3. After four years of hard work, next month he will test for his black belt! I see this as a REALLY big deal. So my first instinct is to do something really cool for him as a reward for his perseverance. On the other hand, I'm very aware of the dangers of over-praising, and wonder if I should let the black belt be its own reward. Any thoughts?

I would wait until he actually gets the black belt, then praise him. I don't think he's likely to become less self-reliant if you praise him, and unless he did it all for you, he must have wanted it pretty badly. Congratulations.

I don't think it's over praising when it's something he's worked for for 4 years !! I'd definitaly be rewarding my 7 year old for something like that

Praising perseverence, effort and practice is good! And if he set the goal for himself, I'd make a big deal about the time and dedication it took to achieve it.

Congrats and good luck to your son!

I would think not in terms of reward, but in terms of celebrating the achievement with him. Perhaps he'd like to choose a restaurant for a special meal? Or a festive dessert at home? But it should be more praise than pay.

DeeDee

I agree with other responses. I think reward meaning praise and maybe going out to eat or doing something at home makes complete sense. Buying him things for the accomplishment doesn't seem necessary and seems a little much. In my opinion, the reward of the blackbelt and celebrating this wonderful accomplishment should be enough. Congrats to your DS!!

He desperately wants to see the new Harry Potter movie. If we go see that after his testing, will that be suitable? It's not a new toy or anything, but it's a little extra something fun to do. So far, that's my best idea.

Sounds like a great way to celebrate his hard work!

sure, why not. : ) sounds like a fun way to celebrate.

Time with you is the best reward and great way to celebrate. Dinner and a movie is nice.