Practice Makes Perfect

                “Practice makes perfect.”  Whether it’s piano, soccer, baseball or painting, children have this aversion to practicing on their own.  There are just too many other things to do, especially when summer rolls around.  I have a suggestion that might work and do some good.

                First it will take a little research.  If your child is old enough, he/she can help.  Find charities that are related.  For example, if your child doesn’t want to practice soccer, look for charities that give soccer balls to kids who don’t have any.  Give your child three choices and let him/her pick the charity he/she is interested in. 

                Next, set a goal.  If $25 gets a soccer ball to a child in need, that would be a good goal.  Have them decorate poster board with a way for them to mark their progress (a thermometer which marks things off in increments of $1 or a soccer field with a counter leading to the goal).  Be creative.

Then, pay them every time they practice.  Make it reasonable, but challenging, in other words, they don’t get paid to kick the ball twice.   Together you can make a difference and your child will get the practice he/she needs.  By the end of summer, practice will be a habit and your child will have learned a lesson in charity.  It’s a win-win.