This is how it goes in my parental dreams, where our children sprung from the womb reciting their multiplication tables:
......(cue the harps)......
Mother and Daddy at the dinner table with 14-year-old DD#3, 6:15 p.m., enjoying pot roast, potatoes, carrots, tossed salad, homemade gravy, and chocolate cake for dessert which Mother lovingly prepared after arriving home from work at 5:47 p.m.

Mother: "DD#3, don't forget you have a science test and a 10-page term paper due tomorrow. I hope you will resume studying immediately after you have cleared the table. You know how competitive admissions are at your dream school, Big Time University."

DD#3, eyes glowing in anticipation: "Yes, Mother, I remember about my schoolwork. Nothing motivates me more than striving to achieve the same awards and honors earned by my practically perfect older sisters. I'm so glad you called Coach Megaclub to let her know I will have to skip my second 3-hour volleyball practice of the week due to the emphasis I place on high grades. My schoolwork is of so very much importance to me, after all, education sets the foundation for my future! Would it be alright if just this once I also cleaned my bedroom before I begin studying?"

Fortunately for us, other forms of motivation, such as cheezy trophies, certificates, plaques, Gatorade awards and cash-for-grades have no place in our home.