How to Bribe Your Kids Based on Their Star Sign

Here’s the secret to your child’s sweet spot

155026-getting-a-puppy-resized.jpg

The art of negotiation isn't just for the board room, and while we may look down on bribery-based parenting, sometimes it helps make life easier. Thankfully, the stars have a say in how our children respond to certain temptations. Here are the inherent weaknesses of each sign, so parents know what they can use for a little leverage on the home front.

Photo via sharkycharming/Flickr CC

Aries

155022-roller-coaster-1-resized.jpg

March 21 – April 19

Stubborn Aries loves the chance to do something wild and adventurous, especially something that gives them cool points with friends. If your ram sign child needs a little motivation to do your bidding, offer them a trip to the local amusement park to ride a scary roller coaster. If there are no rides nearby, consider a visit to a rock wall where they can prove their might and then brag about it to their friends.

Photo via Austin Kirk/Flickr CC

Taurus

155019-ice-cream-resized.jpg

April 20 – May 20

While food isn't recommended as a regular reward or incentive for children, Taurus kids simply cannot resist the promise of a favorite treat. Whether it's ice cream, cookies or artisanal chocolate, this opulence-loving star sign has a weak knee for anything delicious. If you need to get them on board with your plans, an occasional decadent indulgence will have them happy to oblige.

Photo via Aikawa Ke/Flickr CC

Gemini

155017-museum-resized.jpg

May 21 – June 20

Want to tempt your little Gemini to the extreme? Promise them a visit to a child-friendly museum where they can touch, explore and learn about the world around them. This ultra nerdy star sign loves to be intellectually stimulated and, since they're social butterflies, they'll want to talk your ear off about everything they see.

Photo via Lotzman Katzman/Flickr CC

Cancer

155020-playing-game-resized.jpg

June 21 – July 22

Perhaps the easiest child of the zodiac to bribe, Cancer isn't particularly demanding. They know what they like and it's almost always playing a favorite game with you. Whether it's a board game, a video game or an outdoor activity, they are suckers for competition and fun, and will be happy to appease you in return for a chance to kick your butt on the playing field.

Photo via PlaSmart Inc./Flickr CC

Leo

155018-fishing-resized.jpg

July 23 – August 22

There's something primal about Leo children. They're more in touch with their feral side than most children and love exploring the wildnerness. To get them to behave in an instant, all you need to do is take them on a fishing trip or camping in the wild. They'll love living like cavemen and will be determined to catch the biggest fish ever seen!

Photo via Florida Fish and Wildlife/Flickr CC

Virgo

155024-riding-bike-resized.jpg

August 21 – September 22

So your Virgo child won't listen and you're desperate for a quick fix. The solution is simple: take them on a bike ride. This maiden sign tends to battle anxiety and stress, which is almost always self-induced. Riding bikes with you will help calm their overactive minds, give them a healthy boost of serotonin and, most important to them: it's fun.

Photo via Bike SLO County/Flickr CC

Libra

155027-scavenger-hunt.jpg

September 23 – October 22

Curious Libra children love a challenge. If they're being ornery, suggest a neighborhood scavenger hunt and they'll turn from mini rebels to little helpers in no time flat. Make sure to add secret codes and a little mystery to the clues so your child and their friends can feel like true detectives.

Photo via Wellspring Community School/Flickr CC

Scorpio

155023-slumber-party-resized.jpg

October 23 – November 22

If your sassy Scorpio is sassing you (totally common for this sign) the possibility of a sleepover will turn their attitude into acquiescence in a heartbeat. These mini scorpions love letting loose with their BFFs and they're also adept party planners. An overnight get-together with friends puts their natural talents to good use and will push mute on their mouthiness.

Photo via Bruce Szalwinski/Flickr CC

Sagittarius

155016-eating-with-chopsticks-resized.jpg

November 23 – December 21

If your explorative Sagittarius child is giving you a hard time, why not dangle a little excitement their way? This sign is curious about the world and new experiences, so a trip to a cultural community or new restaurant is a great way to appease their desire to see how others live—up close and personal. Tell them you're going on an adventure and they'll do whatever you ask.

Photo via Zepfanman.com/Flickr CC

Capricorn

155015-getting-money-resized.jpg

December 22 – January 19

Worker-bee Capricorn loves cold hard cash like no other sign. These goats crave acknowledgment and nothing says "you did a good job" like a crisp dollar or shiny coin. If you're in a bind and need your Capricorn to do something quick, the promise of a few pennies (not literally because: inflation) will be all the motivation they need. Just don't bribe them with money too often, otherwise they'll start to expect it for every little task.

Photo via Casey Fleser/Flickr CC

Aquarius

155014-getting-a-puppy-2-resized.jpg

January 20 – February 18

Nature- and earth-loving Aquarius is quirky and sweet. If, on rare occasion, they're not following your lead, offer to take them to a local animal shelter where they can pet and play with furry friends. If allergies are an issue, a trip to the zoo may be a better option to get your Aquarius child in line.

Photo via Frank Serritelli/Flickr CC

Pisces

155025-swimming-resized.jpg

February 19 – March 20

Pouty Pisces is a water sign who, you guessed it, loves splashing around. If they're throwing a hissy fit that you need squashed pronto, offer to take them to the lake or local pool to have some one on one aqua time. Their salty tears will stop and they'll quickly do whatever you need them to.

Photo via Virginia State Parks/Flickr CC