A child is not drawn to [Torah] study through commands, and how much more so not through the rod, but by being given sweets and so on. Specifically, one should give him sweets that he can appreciate at his present level, not items to save for the future [when he will appreciate them]. [Using incentives is necessary even though] it is true in general, a very young child is able to have kabbalas ol [obedience], and he can be coerced. How much more so in the matter under discussion [motivating the child to study Torah] should this be the approach [incentives, not penalties]. (Igros Kodesh, vol. 21, p. 260) |
