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book cover for The Reward Trap

The Reward Trap

Why Rewards Backfire and the Real Science of Motivating Kids

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Pub Date Aug 18 2026 | Archive Date Not set


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Description

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.

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...


Advance Praise

“Dr. Özgür Bolat brings intellectual rigor and uncommon clarity to one of the most important questions in parenting and education: how do we truly motivate children?”

-Prof. Aziz Sancar, MD, PhD, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry

“Drawing on decades of research, including his own empirical studies, he shows how rewards can unintentionally push children toward pressure and approval-seeking rather than a genuine love of learning.”

-Prof. Andrew J. Elliot, Department of Psychology, University of Rochester

“This eye-opening and important book shows what really leads to greater creativity and well-being.”

-Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, Psychologist

“This book is a compelling read. An accessible book that provides such persuasive and convincing arguments for supporting autonomy and intrinsic motivation gets my vote.”

-Dr. David Frost, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge

“Dr. Özgür Bolat brings intellectual rigor and uncommon clarity to one of the most important questions in parenting and education: how do we truly motivate children?”

-Prof. Aziz Sancar, MD, PhD...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798893961805
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 208

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