Paying parents to parent?

Friday, Aug. 31, 2007 | 10 p.m.

When school starts in New York City next week, parents in low-income neighborhoods could start reaping cash rewards for simple tasks such as attending parent-teacher conferences or making sure their children have dental checkups.

A story in the most recent issue of Newsweek magazine says the experimental program is designed to entice parents to be more involved in their children's education and physical well-being.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg raised more than $40 million for the program using his own money and donations from such entities as the Rockefeller Foundation, Newsweek reports. The fund will pay parents small amounts, such as $25 for attending parent-teacher conferences or $50 for obtaining a library card.

There is little doubt that Bloomberg's idea is well-intentioned, but it is misguided.

First, a lack of parental involvement occurs at all income levels. And it is condescending and paternalistic to assume that involvement by low-income parents can somehow be bought.

Secondly, some tasks simply should not carry rewards.

In a 2005 editorial, we told of school districts that offered iPods, computers and even cars as prizes that students could win with perfect attendance.

Such incentives emphasize materialistic values and teach nothing about the value and esteem that come from self-discipline and a good education.

Paying parents to take proper responsibility for their children falls into the same category. If $50 is what it takes to inspire parents to take active roles in their children's lives, then society is facing a problem that no amount of money is going to fix.