Posted on May 20, 2008 by Alison Fujito in - Practice Motivators
My 9-year-old and 7-year-old love Webkinz--but they weren't so enthusiastic about practicing. I was getting really tired of the whining, complaints, delaying tactics, and general poor attitudes.
So I told them that if they practiced for two weeks in a row without a single whine or complaint, they could each earn a new Webkinz.
Honestly, I thought they'd have at least a little trouble with this. But they did it so easily, that when we returned from the store with their new Webkinz, I informed them that from now on, they'd have to practice 30 days in a row (still complaint-and whine-free) to earn new Webkinz.
It's been working very well so far (to the detriment of my bank account!). I did have to institute a sort of sick leave policy, though, where they can make up missed practices (due to real illness, not feigned tummy aches or crankiness) by practicing twice the next day.
I suppose this does amount to bribery. But they are improving on their instruments (most important!), I am happy because I don't hear whining (well, that's important, too!), and they are happy because of the Webkinz (less important).
Now I just need more storage space...