The Reward Trap

Avoid the hidden trap of rewards and raise confident, self-motivated kids with revolutionary, science-based parenting strategies from international sensation Dr. Özgür Bolat. Every loving parent uses rewards—gold stars, treats, praise, privileges—believing they’re nurturing their child’s motivation and self-esteem. But what if seven decades of scientific research reveals we’re doing the exact opposite? What if we are unknowingly sabotaging our children’s motivation? Dr. Özgür Bolat, award-winning researcher and media sensation, dares to ask the hard questions: Why do rewards crush motivation instead of building it? Why can’t core values be taught through external incentives? What hidden dangers await children raised on a steady diet of rewards? Using the latest groundbreaking research and real-life cases, The Reward Trap explores what rewards are really doing to our children and how we can avoid the pitfalls of external validation on the road to internal motivation. With every page, you’ll discover evidence-based strategies that work in real family life, not just in research labs. No more battles over motivation. No more worrying about your child’s self-esteem. No more anxiety about whether you’re doing enough. Just genuine connection and your child’s authentic development into a confident, motivated, and emotionally secure individual who is happy from within. Free from the hidden trap of rewards, your child will develop genuine character because they want to, not because they have to. It’s the kind of inner happiness no reward can buy.