Parenting pundits have long been telling us it's better to dangle a carrot than to wield a stick when it comes to handling our children.
But now Alan McClean, an educational psychologist who has spent his career encouraging schools to develop a 'rewards culture' is now speaking out against it, arguing that the promise of a sticker, star, or wad of cash can stop children taking responsibility for themselves and can actually make them less motivated in the long run.
So are we in danger of creating kids who won't perform without the promise of a sweetener? And how realistic is it to expect parents to motivate their reluctant offspring without resorting to the occasional bribe?
Annette Mountford, Director of parenting charity Family Links and Ros Jay, author of Kids and Co join Jenni to discuss these issues. Tell us your views
