DeBusk Foundation

What if the problem isn't that rewards don't work well enough... but that they're solving the wrong problem?

In Episode 321: The Rewards and Punishment Paradox, Emily revisits a thought-provoking conversation with Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards. Together, they examine why systems built on praise, token economies, behavior charts, and PBIS often prioritize compliance over genuine learning, autonomy, and problem-solving.

This episode challenges us to look beyond surface-level behavior and ask deeper questions about what children need, what motivates them, and how we can move from controlling kids to collaborating with them.

It's an important conversation for parents, educators, and clinicians seeking neurodiversity-affirming ways to support children.

🎧 Episode 321: The Rewards and Punishment Paradox with Alfie Kohn is available now at the link in our comments.