Ambercrombie Can Wait

Bribery.

How do I describe the many virtues of this tried and true parenting method?

As parents we are quite proud of our latest success in manipulating the behavior of a child with the promise of a material reward.

When we noticed that Paige, who will soon be turning 11, wasn't getting the grades we knew she was capable of we started dangling carrots.

And lo and behold she responded. Her recent report card had straight A's.

The treat for this good behavior - a trip to Ambercrombie. Our little girl had discovered the power of a cute outfit.

Now I must admit I was a little torn. I was thrilled with the grades but lamenting the fact that Paige, and her bribes, were growing up.

A few days after promising Paige her shopping spree she was at her tumbling and trampoline class when the coach approached Mindy. He invited Paige to attend an extra session of classes with just a couple of the top students. Of course, this compliment and honor was followed by the minor detail that it also cost more money.

So Mindy gave Paige a choice. She could accept the original bribe or she could take the extra classes.

She had to mull it over, but my little girl made me proud. She won't be wearing a new outfit but she is going to have a killer layout backflip.