Motivation

I was visiting with my neighbor yesterday when Therese exclaimed “Mr. Harvey, I can put my head under water!” I had to correct her at that point and said, “No, you can blow bubbles in the water.” Well that really upset her and she stormed off. Later I told her in private that she was giving the impression to our friend that she knew how to hold her breath under water which isn’t true. It is something she is working towards at her swim lessons but hadn’t accomplished yet.

We went to the pool that evening after dinner and Therese slapped on her goggles, pinched her nose, and dunked her head. When she emerged I met her with a grin and said “Now that is putting your head under water!” We spent the rest of the time diving for toys and waving to each other beneath the surface.

Pretty amazing that serving a bit of humility can be a point of motivation for a child.