Is your child struggling to put effort into school? Some praise regarding the completion of a task could help.
For example, acing a math test could elicit this comment: "I'm really proud that you practiced your multiplication tables for an extra 20 minutes last night. That really paid off."
For a student who was struggling on a project that received rave reviews from the teacher, an appropriate reward might be a trip to the movies, or extra time on the computer or with a favorite toy. Experts recommend that parents use rewards sparingly, though, and never utilize money, food, or expensive incentives to bolster performance.