A LITTLE BRIBERY (5 YRS OLD)

Bribery (a.k.a. reward) seems to be the answer to getting S to do her piano practice. Momma started paying S a gum ball (or a small piece of candy) for doing her piano practice, i.e. playing one piece at least 5 times.

S started piano practice in April. Miss Robyn, the piano teacher, praises S on the piano for her attention span and is amazed by her abilities to pick it up so quickly. Despite how well lessons are, momma was having such a hard time getting her to practice. What would be five or so minutes would take 20 or so minutes due to nagging and coaching. Momma was lucky if she could get S to practice a couple of times a week.

Now, with the "bribe/reward" system in place, S has practice five to six times a week (or more) and often doing it without being asked. So, far the systems seems to be working and is on its third week. Momma hopes that the system will get S over her hump -- frustration with her finger placement -- and once over it, the reward system will be replace by the fun and enjoyment of playing the piano.