A Little Incentive

John loves to swim. But he hesitates when it comes to putting his face in the water and blowing bubbles. Over the summer, with a swim vest on, he swam all over the pool, even jumped in the water and went under the water many many times. But still when he started swim classes again earlier this month, he would not blow bubbles for the teacher. She came over after class one day and suggested we get him to practice in the bathtub. He promptly informed her that now he likes to take showers instead. ;-) Anyway, I was at a loss, since he clearly enjoys swimming, and can do it with confidence as long as it doesn't involve blowing bubbles. Hmmm. What parenting trick do we all turn to in situations like this? Incentives! Yes, I am not above bribing this child to get him to do something. In the spring, I bribed him to get through a soccer program. This week, I suggested that if he could blow bubbles during swim class each time the teacher asks, he would get 6 M&Ms after class. Only 6 pieces, but he was thrilled with this prospect. So on Monday, and again on Wednesday, he blew those bubbles with no hesitation! And we stopped after class in the hall and shared some M&Ms. He was so proud of himself. And I am proud too.