I have an idea. You could give them a reason to slave away at programming when there are 10000 other things that are easier and more entertaining: pay them. Ma

I have an idea. You could give them a reason to slave away at programming when there are 10000 other things that are easier and more entertaining: pay them. Make their allowance have a bonus based on some objective function of their work product or effort in programming or whatever field. At the same time, try to encourage them to use it to explore things that interest them. Such as, creating and releasing games or programs for their friends.