Yep, go with that.
Love because they're them, not because they have to earn it. Make sure they know you love them regardless, and always, though you make not like certain sorts of behaviour.
Firm boundaries, you're their parent not their friend. 'I hate you' is all part of being a parent and shouldn't hurt too much, get your other half and adult friends to console you rather than backing off from your kid.
Support their teachers , not your kid against them. Apart from the odd bad apple anywhere, you and the teachers are on the same side, trying to do well in bringing up a good kid.
Your praise, time and good opinion is the reward, not money and stuff.