Avoid the hidden trap of rewards and raise confident, self-motivated kids with revolutionary, science-based parenting strategies from international sensation Dr. Özgür Bolat—featuring a foreword by Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar.

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 reveal we’re doing the exact opposite? What if the rewards we depend on are creating power struggles, screen dependence, and children who act only when there is something to gain?

Drawing on groundbreaking research and real-life cases, The Reward Trap explores the hidden psychological cost of rewards and how parents can avoid the pitfalls of external validation on the road to internal motivation. With expert strategies from award-winning researcher Dr. Özgür Bolat—proven to work at home, not just in a lab—this is the connection-based alternative you've been looking for.

Free from the hidden trap of rewards, you will raise children who

• take initiative—from homework to daily responsibilities—without being asked, reminded, or pressured;
• stay engaged and persist through challenges, even when there’s no reward or recognition; and
• make good choices because they believe in them, not because they’re told to.

No more battles over motivation. No more anxiety about whether you’re doing enough. Just genuine connection and a confident, emotionally secure child who is motivated from within. It’s the kind of inner happiness no reward can buy.

Dr. Özgür Bolat is a distinguished education scientist, researcher, associate professor, and author with a career spanning academia, media, and corporate partnerships. His groundbreaking research on parenting and teaching has earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Best Young Researcher award in New Zealand. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education (Fulbright and TEV scholar) and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. During his doctoral studies, he spent one year as a visiting PhD student at MIT Sloan. His academic work has been complemented by a successful media career, where he served as a columnist for a major national newspaper for 12 years, establishing himself as a leading voice in education and parenting. Dr. Bolat is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and parenting workshop leader.