Punished By Rewards

By Alfie Kohn,

Book cover of Punished By Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes

Book description

Since its publication in 1993, this groundbreaking book has convinced countless parents, teachers, and managers that working with people is more successful than doing things to them. "Do rewards motivate people?" asks Kohn. "Yes. They motivate people to get rewards." Moreover, the use of rewards actually undermines the quality of…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Punished By Rewards as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Alfie Kohn offers an eye-opening perspective on the perils of punishment and rewards.

If you've ever questioned the wisdom of using gold star charts and m&m motivators for children, this groundbreaking book is for you. Here is the science behind why extrinsic rewards can extinguish intrinsic motivation, and what to do instead. I found it both an enlightening and entertaining read. It may profoundly change your approach to parenting.

From Joanna and Julie's list on to create strong connections in their families.

This book was the one that opened my eyes to a whole new world of research, relationships, and parenting. It drove me to a new life studying psychology, and upended everything I thought I knew about parenting. This book changed my life trajectory, and the trajectory of my family—forever.

(With honourable mentions for Unconditional Parenting, The Myth of the Spoiled Child, The Homework Myth, and No Contest, all by Kohn).

From Justin's list on parenting like a pro.

Want books like Punished By Rewards?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Punished By Rewards.

Browse books like Punished By Rewards

Book cover of Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
Book cover of The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook: What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
Book cover of Between Parent and Child

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in behaviorism, motivation, and parenting?

Behaviorism 23 books
Motivation 553 books
Parenting 381 books